I forgot to mention something truly monumental in our relationship that occurred on Saturday. Eric bought me flowers!!!!! Now to most of you that may not seem such a big deal until I tell you that in 17 years Eric has only ever bought me flowers on 2 occasions, and I had to give birth to get them! Oh then there was the Valentines Day, about 16 years ago, when I got a plastic red rose at 11.45pm bought at the petrol station on the way home from late turn. But these were fresh, unsolicited daffodils (one of my favourite flowers). Who knows, maybe I'll only have to wait 15 years for the next ones.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Sunday, August 29, 2004
NPC and all that.
Lying in bed on a cold Sunday morning. I was woken by bright sunshine earlier but there are a few white clouds outside now. Looks like a lovely day but........ I'll just have another hour in bed! I did get up early yesterday (another nice day) and was amazed at how much extra time I had in the morning. On the subject of clouds I drove back from Hamilton on Friday on one of those days were there was lots of sunshine and downpours. Now I have mentioned before a fabulous view along Taotaoroa Road coming this way, anyone who has been here know's where I mean. It's a 200 degree view that goes on for miles. As I came round the bend on this day the sky was amazing. To the left over the Kaimais was bright sunshine with a few cumulus clouds and so clear, to the right and in front of of me storm clouds every shade of grey and dark blue with rain falling in patches at 2 opposing angles. But above to either side of these clouds bright sunshine. It was very dramatic.
Nothing to report from the end of the week apart from Alice sustaining a minor head injury on Thursday. We were in the middle of the usual 'feeding the calves and trying to get the girls on the school bus in time' routine when Alice was spotted walking up the drive crying. Now Alice is always crying so I just ignored her figuring I'd find out soon enough what the problem was. She walked into the kitchen and I could see this was probably quite genuine. Apparently she had bent down and one of the calves head bunted her against the top of her head. Now I know we think calves, 'baby's oh how sweet' but they are pretty strong and you only need to ask the likes of Robyn or Bridget how many bruises they sustain during each calving season to know what I mean. Anyway, it was obvious that she wasn't going to catch the bus and after giving her cuddles, love, a paracetomol and putting her to bed she fell asleep. I phoned school and explained the situation saying I'd bring her in later. Now I was in a bit of a dilema with the head injury and sleeping thing but was convinced she was actually sleeping because she was tired from all these early mornings and had exhausted herself crying. I did check on her every 10 minutes though and was torn between checking pupillary reaction and not wanting to wake her!! Needless to say she was fine and fit as a fiddle (well fit by Alice's standards!) after 3 hours sleep. No long lasting effects, except you won't find Alice bending over nears calves again!
I went up to Huntly last week, north of Hamilton to visit a GP where standards were suspected of being below par. They were worse than that but I won't go into detail as a) this would not be an appropriate forum and b) I would not want to give the wrong impression of the NZ GP service which is equal to if not better than the UK's. This guy was unbelievably bad though. Being in the area I popped in on Juliet and Kev. Things are not good there since Kev lost his job 3 weeks ago and I left feeling depressed and frustrated. Depressed for them (and I know that what I felt was not a touch on how they feel) and frustrated that Kev, an intelligent, well qualified, hard working person has for the last year been unable to get a job suitable to his level of qualification and salary expectations (which are what I would call realistic, not pie in the sky). It is a common problem among immigrants both recognised by the NZIS and anecdotally from what I have seen. I have a great belief that out of this things will be much better for them, and I think Juliet feels that in her heart but that doesn't detract from the enormous worry of how the bills will be paid when the money runs out. They are coming down next weekend so I think we will need plenty of gin on tap. A friend of Juliets brother, Chloe, arrived on Thursday and was very interesting. She is doing the big OE and had spent 2 months in S.Africa working on a private game reserve before 'doing' Asia. She is in NZ for a year and I presume will be down next w/e as well.
Yesterday we went to our first NPC match of this season in Hamilton. By God it was cold. I went with 2 jumpers and fleece on and Eric laughed at me when I took my coat as well. Just as well I did. Harriette, who has refused to take a fleece, was blue with cold and I ended up giving her mine and even with the coat I froze. We were on the shady side of the stadium. I reckon those in the sun probably cooked as it was so hot - in the sun that is. When we got back to the car it was like an oven which was wonderful! We thrashed Auckland 59-11. Shame that wasn' t the scoreline when we last met as it was the NPC final last year. Sivivatu (an AB) has signed with Waikato and he scored 5 tries. It actually may have been 6 as a try was scored in the last minute of the game but we left a few minutes early as I wanted to get away because Helen and Phil were coming for supper. Apart from the scoreline it wasn't a brilliant match though. We have watched an enormous amount of rugby on TV what with the World Cup, England tour, TriNations and Super 12 and it was very strange watching a match live after so long. Harriette even asked where the commentry was, she was convinced we had commentry at live matches last season!!
We got back and dashed around to get the place vaguely tidy for the evening (luckily they were last!). Helen and Phil had planned to come to the rugby with us but it clashed with the rugby presentations for their 6 yr old George. He arrived here with a bag of awards and certificates, including best try scorer of the season so was well pleased with himself. We had a very relaxing evening and I thoroughly enjoyed the lasagne I'd made, I was starving by the time we sat down for supper. Mom and Daddy phoned between courses and somewhere along the way the Harriette went to bed. I noted how tired George was looking and asked if he wanted to go and lay down and listen to a Harry Potter story. Alice went and sorted him out and after realising she hadn't come back I went to investigate to find her and George top and tail asleep in the bed. Don't know what Michael would have to say about that!!!
Oh well I suppose I should drag myself out of the sack. I plan to wrap up warm, plant some seedlings and continue to try and tidy up the garden today. More bonfires I guess. We are sadly lacking in emails lately. I must go through my Inbox and check I have replied to everybody. I know I owe Vanessa one and I must write to Eddie. We had the wonderful news, via Ann, that Eddie was now driving. You may remember Eddie was involved in a house fire that nearly cost her her life and did Alan her husband. We think of them both often and I feel very guilty at my lack of correspondance. TTFN.
Nothing to report from the end of the week apart from Alice sustaining a minor head injury on Thursday. We were in the middle of the usual 'feeding the calves and trying to get the girls on the school bus in time' routine when Alice was spotted walking up the drive crying. Now Alice is always crying so I just ignored her figuring I'd find out soon enough what the problem was. She walked into the kitchen and I could see this was probably quite genuine. Apparently she had bent down and one of the calves head bunted her against the top of her head. Now I know we think calves, 'baby's oh how sweet' but they are pretty strong and you only need to ask the likes of Robyn or Bridget how many bruises they sustain during each calving season to know what I mean. Anyway, it was obvious that she wasn't going to catch the bus and after giving her cuddles, love, a paracetomol and putting her to bed she fell asleep. I phoned school and explained the situation saying I'd bring her in later. Now I was in a bit of a dilema with the head injury and sleeping thing but was convinced she was actually sleeping because she was tired from all these early mornings and had exhausted herself crying. I did check on her every 10 minutes though and was torn between checking pupillary reaction and not wanting to wake her!! Needless to say she was fine and fit as a fiddle (well fit by Alice's standards!) after 3 hours sleep. No long lasting effects, except you won't find Alice bending over nears calves again!
I went up to Huntly last week, north of Hamilton to visit a GP where standards were suspected of being below par. They were worse than that but I won't go into detail as a) this would not be an appropriate forum and b) I would not want to give the wrong impression of the NZ GP service which is equal to if not better than the UK's. This guy was unbelievably bad though. Being in the area I popped in on Juliet and Kev. Things are not good there since Kev lost his job 3 weeks ago and I left feeling depressed and frustrated. Depressed for them (and I know that what I felt was not a touch on how they feel) and frustrated that Kev, an intelligent, well qualified, hard working person has for the last year been unable to get a job suitable to his level of qualification and salary expectations (which are what I would call realistic, not pie in the sky). It is a common problem among immigrants both recognised by the NZIS and anecdotally from what I have seen. I have a great belief that out of this things will be much better for them, and I think Juliet feels that in her heart but that doesn't detract from the enormous worry of how the bills will be paid when the money runs out. They are coming down next weekend so I think we will need plenty of gin on tap. A friend of Juliets brother, Chloe, arrived on Thursday and was very interesting. She is doing the big OE and had spent 2 months in S.Africa working on a private game reserve before 'doing' Asia. She is in NZ for a year and I presume will be down next w/e as well.
Yesterday we went to our first NPC match of this season in Hamilton. By God it was cold. I went with 2 jumpers and fleece on and Eric laughed at me when I took my coat as well. Just as well I did. Harriette, who has refused to take a fleece, was blue with cold and I ended up giving her mine and even with the coat I froze. We were on the shady side of the stadium. I reckon those in the sun probably cooked as it was so hot - in the sun that is. When we got back to the car it was like an oven which was wonderful! We thrashed Auckland 59-11. Shame that wasn' t the scoreline when we last met as it was the NPC final last year. Sivivatu (an AB) has signed with Waikato and he scored 5 tries. It actually may have been 6 as a try was scored in the last minute of the game but we left a few minutes early as I wanted to get away because Helen and Phil were coming for supper. Apart from the scoreline it wasn't a brilliant match though. We have watched an enormous amount of rugby on TV what with the World Cup, England tour, TriNations and Super 12 and it was very strange watching a match live after so long. Harriette even asked where the commentry was, she was convinced we had commentry at live matches last season!!
We got back and dashed around to get the place vaguely tidy for the evening (luckily they were last!). Helen and Phil had planned to come to the rugby with us but it clashed with the rugby presentations for their 6 yr old George. He arrived here with a bag of awards and certificates, including best try scorer of the season so was well pleased with himself. We had a very relaxing evening and I thoroughly enjoyed the lasagne I'd made, I was starving by the time we sat down for supper. Mom and Daddy phoned between courses and somewhere along the way the Harriette went to bed. I noted how tired George was looking and asked if he wanted to go and lay down and listen to a Harry Potter story. Alice went and sorted him out and after realising she hadn't come back I went to investigate to find her and George top and tail asleep in the bed. Don't know what Michael would have to say about that!!!
Oh well I suppose I should drag myself out of the sack. I plan to wrap up warm, plant some seedlings and continue to try and tidy up the garden today. More bonfires I guess. We are sadly lacking in emails lately. I must go through my Inbox and check I have replied to everybody. I know I owe Vanessa one and I must write to Eddie. We had the wonderful news, via Ann, that Eddie was now driving. You may remember Eddie was involved in a house fire that nearly cost her her life and did Alan her husband. We think of them both often and I feel very guilty at my lack of correspondance. TTFN.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Medals
Did you see, did you see??? This evening NZ doubled it's medal count. Gold and Silver in the mens Triathlon - awesome!!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Who wanted calves anyway?!
Just a quick entry as I don't have a lot to say really. Had to go into Hamilton yesterday and today. In my job I cover all GP practices from... well lets just say over a big area. I have visited almost all of them now but left some Maori ones to last. That wasn't racist, deliberate or anything, just the way it worked out. Well what a mistake. Things are so badly managed re vaccine storage etc that I really should have visited these ones first. I am having to do so much work with them. I almost feel like I want a job as their chief nurse so I can go in and get them organised - on all fronts. Anyway...
The calves are proving a nightmare (did I really expect anything else?!). We would not let the girls do calf club last year as they did not perform properly the year before ie do the training grooming etc that is required. We said Yes this year after all the pleading and reassurances that they would do it all this time, and we figured being 2 years older they might. Well the arguments that have been caused are driving us mad. Harriette would just not feed them on occassions if it was left to her and this morning they were woken at 6.25am and by 7.15am they were still faffing around mixing milk(they have to leave for the bus at 7.40am!). It's always the other persons fault that something isn't done - you get the picture. I must say Alice is showing more application than Harriette.
Yesterday afternoon when they were down there (by 'there' I mean in the barn where the calves are which sits across the drive and on the paddock which is much lower than the house) when Alice started bellowing 'Mom, Mom'. Convinced that another row was in progress I stormed out to be told that Saddle (Alice's original steer) and Lance (school steer) were in Claire and Ian's paddock next door. They had broken through/over some rotten fencing. I must say I actually enjoyed strolling around rounding them up. The sun was shining but we had a cool wind blowing. (Today we had sun with no wind.) I effected some temporary repair to the fence (actually I pulled an old gate across and propped a large fallen tree bough in fromt of it. Eric can do the serious stuff at the w/e.
Alice's is on her knees with tiredness this evening so has gone to bed early. The dogs came into the house (for a change) this evening and Rust mauled Dog. No flesh wounds but he was left smelling not like something Alice wanted to cuddle up to in bed. She therefore washed him (sensible) at about 5pm and burst into tears when at 7.30pm she was told he wouldn't be sleeping with her tonight (we have no tumble drier). Hysterical tears = a tired little girl= early night in my eyes. They had forfeited their 30mins Olympic TV watching tonight after this mornings carry anyway.
Well I warned you I didn't have much to write and this has deteriorated into trivial waffle so I'll save you any more of it and finish now. Am getting more into my book a Kathy Reichs - Fatal Voyage. Night night.
PS Harriette said she'd write but I don't think she has. Might be worth checking in a day or 2 though!
The calves are proving a nightmare (did I really expect anything else?!). We would not let the girls do calf club last year as they did not perform properly the year before ie do the training grooming etc that is required. We said Yes this year after all the pleading and reassurances that they would do it all this time, and we figured being 2 years older they might. Well the arguments that have been caused are driving us mad. Harriette would just not feed them on occassions if it was left to her and this morning they were woken at 6.25am and by 7.15am they were still faffing around mixing milk(they have to leave for the bus at 7.40am!). It's always the other persons fault that something isn't done - you get the picture. I must say Alice is showing more application than Harriette.
Yesterday afternoon when they were down there (by 'there' I mean in the barn where the calves are which sits across the drive and on the paddock which is much lower than the house) when Alice started bellowing 'Mom, Mom'. Convinced that another row was in progress I stormed out to be told that Saddle (Alice's original steer) and Lance (school steer) were in Claire and Ian's paddock next door. They had broken through/over some rotten fencing. I must say I actually enjoyed strolling around rounding them up. The sun was shining but we had a cool wind blowing. (Today we had sun with no wind.) I effected some temporary repair to the fence (actually I pulled an old gate across and propped a large fallen tree bough in fromt of it. Eric can do the serious stuff at the w/e.
Alice's is on her knees with tiredness this evening so has gone to bed early. The dogs came into the house (for a change) this evening and Rust mauled Dog. No flesh wounds but he was left smelling not like something Alice wanted to cuddle up to in bed. She therefore washed him (sensible) at about 5pm and burst into tears when at 7.30pm she was told he wouldn't be sleeping with her tonight (we have no tumble drier). Hysterical tears = a tired little girl= early night in my eyes. They had forfeited their 30mins Olympic TV watching tonight after this mornings carry anyway.
Well I warned you I didn't have much to write and this has deteriorated into trivial waffle so I'll save you any more of it and finish now. Am getting more into my book a Kathy Reichs - Fatal Voyage. Night night.
PS Harriette said she'd write but I don't think she has. Might be worth checking in a day or 2 though!
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Sunshine at last!!
Firstly, Thank You to Milky's Mom for the education. I thought the Evers-Swindell twins were from Cambridge. Hush my mouth! Still - didn't they do well. Gold as expected - excellent. I hope Bridget passed on the Thank You for the Thank You. We were very touched.
While I'm chatting to individuals. Helen, have been meaning to phone you at work and not got round to it. Evenings are definately a useless time to try and catch you! We're definately on for rugby on Saturday unless it's tipping down. I'm a fair weather fan! Will try and catch you at work this week. Looking forward to catching all the inside gossip on Cambridge High!!
As for the rest of you. Hi and hope you're having a good weekend. We are having a bad time with cellphones. Between us we have 4 as we both have 'work' ones as well as personal ones. About 3 weeks ago I lost my 'own' one. Found it yesterday outside in a bonfire on the drive. It had fallen in after the last fire so had not been subjected to heat but has been rained on. I have aired it in the airing cupboard and it has re-charged but the messages you sent Carol are not on there. I have sent you one so will be intertested to know if that's received. Well just as I found that one Eric has mislaid his!! Lets hope that one turns up as it is a lot newer than my one.
Had a good trip to Auckland, apart from getting the times of course No. 1 mixed up. I thought it started at 1.30pm on Thursday. I sat at my desk at 7.50am and looked for a phone number to organise parking. When I pulled out the form I find the course starts at 9am!!!! (Central Auckland being 2hr 30min away). Oooopps. So I had a day doing much needed paperwork and drove up in the late afternoon to Beth and Grahams. I was staying with them in Howick overnight and figured I'd stick with that arrangement a) because I wanted to be sure to get to Fridays course on time and b) because I was looking forward to catching up with them! During the evening Graham suggested I get the ferry to the city central area. What a jolly civilised way to commute!! This I did. I drove down to Half Moon Bay (10 minutes) straight into easy parking right near the ferry, walked onto a boat that took about 100-150 people and read my book for the 30 min trip. I disembarked onto a pier towered over by a very elegant old building and another modern elegant building with lots of outside cafe seating. Walking into town it was clean and smart modern and old blending nicely with the new. I looked up to a bright, clear blue sky and thought 'if this is communting I could cope with this'. I walked the 20 minute walk to the computer training department. I have to say that by mid afternoon I was missing the greenery though and was relieved that this was a one off - maybe I wouldn't like to do this regularly after all. The ferry back was the same one Graham caught. His friend was also on the same ferry and we spent the return trip discussing Africa (Graham being an ex SA and Pedro, I think that was his name, being Portugeuse who lived in Mozambique and then SA before emigrating to NZ. Both really good company. I got back to Matamata at 8.10pm exhausted but far more knowledgable about Excel in particular.
We have been blessed with 4 very spring-like days, warm and sunny with the odd light shower. I was out fairly early yesterday and whilst I can't get near the garden as the soil is still soaked I was able to clear up and burn (hence finding the phone). It was so good to have one of those outdoor days when you come in feeling like you've made some progress. I planted a fejoa tree and 2 other trees that I must have bought at some time but I have now idea where, when or what they are!! Planted up a jasmine and lots of bulbs on the bank behind the pool and cleared the carport. Today I have not got outside much but have got some seeds into seed trays. Richard and Robyn managed to get away from the farm for a few hours and came for a joint morning tea and breakfast. It was meant to be morning tea but we ended up having bacon sandwiches as well to try our home-made bacon. salty but very nice - well I think so. We all went for a walk around the block, mainly because R+R have never actually done this and of course we wasted lots of time gushing over the piglets while Rust stood in the trailer making pathetic noises as he knew he wanted to join in ut was wary of the electric fencing that had got him the week before!
Robyn and Olympia
Harriette with Freckles.
Oh I had a surprise on Saturday. Ben caught a rabbit! Now that might not sound very impressive but you have to appreciate what a lazy and useless thing he is and how he begrudges anything involving any sort of exercise. I was especially pleased as it was down near my veg plot and the b---ers have been at my carrots. Inca and Rust looked suitably impressed.
While I'm chatting to individuals. Helen, have been meaning to phone you at work and not got round to it. Evenings are definately a useless time to try and catch you! We're definately on for rugby on Saturday unless it's tipping down. I'm a fair weather fan! Will try and catch you at work this week. Looking forward to catching all the inside gossip on Cambridge High!!
As for the rest of you. Hi and hope you're having a good weekend. We are having a bad time with cellphones. Between us we have 4 as we both have 'work' ones as well as personal ones. About 3 weeks ago I lost my 'own' one. Found it yesterday outside in a bonfire on the drive. It had fallen in after the last fire so had not been subjected to heat but has been rained on. I have aired it in the airing cupboard and it has re-charged but the messages you sent Carol are not on there. I have sent you one so will be intertested to know if that's received. Well just as I found that one Eric has mislaid his!! Lets hope that one turns up as it is a lot newer than my one.
Had a good trip to Auckland, apart from getting the times of course No. 1 mixed up. I thought it started at 1.30pm on Thursday. I sat at my desk at 7.50am and looked for a phone number to organise parking. When I pulled out the form I find the course starts at 9am!!!! (Central Auckland being 2hr 30min away). Oooopps. So I had a day doing much needed paperwork and drove up in the late afternoon to Beth and Grahams. I was staying with them in Howick overnight and figured I'd stick with that arrangement a) because I wanted to be sure to get to Fridays course on time and b) because I was looking forward to catching up with them! During the evening Graham suggested I get the ferry to the city central area. What a jolly civilised way to commute!! This I did. I drove down to Half Moon Bay (10 minutes) straight into easy parking right near the ferry, walked onto a boat that took about 100-150 people and read my book for the 30 min trip. I disembarked onto a pier towered over by a very elegant old building and another modern elegant building with lots of outside cafe seating. Walking into town it was clean and smart modern and old blending nicely with the new. I looked up to a bright, clear blue sky and thought 'if this is communting I could cope with this'. I walked the 20 minute walk to the computer training department. I have to say that by mid afternoon I was missing the greenery though and was relieved that this was a one off - maybe I wouldn't like to do this regularly after all. The ferry back was the same one Graham caught. His friend was also on the same ferry and we spent the return trip discussing Africa (Graham being an ex SA and Pedro, I think that was his name, being Portugeuse who lived in Mozambique and then SA before emigrating to NZ. Both really good company. I got back to Matamata at 8.10pm exhausted but far more knowledgable about Excel in particular.
We have been blessed with 4 very spring-like days, warm and sunny with the odd light shower. I was out fairly early yesterday and whilst I can't get near the garden as the soil is still soaked I was able to clear up and burn (hence finding the phone). It was so good to have one of those outdoor days when you come in feeling like you've made some progress. I planted a fejoa tree and 2 other trees that I must have bought at some time but I have now idea where, when or what they are!! Planted up a jasmine and lots of bulbs on the bank behind the pool and cleared the carport. Today I have not got outside much but have got some seeds into seed trays. Richard and Robyn managed to get away from the farm for a few hours and came for a joint morning tea and breakfast. It was meant to be morning tea but we ended up having bacon sandwiches as well to try our home-made bacon. salty but very nice - well I think so. We all went for a walk around the block, mainly because R+R have never actually done this and of course we wasted lots of time gushing over the piglets while Rust stood in the trailer making pathetic noises as he knew he wanted to join in ut was wary of the electric fencing that had got him the week before!
Robyn and Olympia
Harriette with Freckles.
Oh I had a surprise on Saturday. Ben caught a rabbit! Now that might not sound very impressive but you have to appreciate what a lazy and useless thing he is and how he begrudges anything involving any sort of exercise. I was especially pleased as it was down near my veg plot and the b---ers have been at my carrots. Inca and Rust looked suitably impressed.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Storms
You'll be pleased to know we're still here and have not been blown away. But then I guess unless you live in the southern hemisphere you will not be aware that we have been battered overnight. I think the South of the North Island suffered most with Wellington cut off, airport, highways, all rail lines and the ferry closed. Luckily most of it occurred overnight and settled as the sun rose this morning. We had snow on the Kaimais and SH5 was closed with snow between Tirau and Rotorua (about 30km from here). Yesterday was bitter cold with daytime temperatures reaching only 10 degrees, felt much colder.
My daughters have just shown their true colours! We have just watched the mens coxless pairs in the Olympics. Australia won (the heat) with NZ 3rd but GB almost catching them (only the first 3 went through). As GB were catching up with NZ Harriette leapt up yelling 'Yes England - but don't beat NZ'!!! She then added 'I want England to go through but not at the expense of NZ'!!!! (Anyone reading this with any Irish, Welsh or Scottish affiliations please forgive Harriette her misconceptions!) Alice said she just wanted NZ to win! And as we have won nothing so far.......
I took Alice riding for lesson number 4 today. I have to confess I didn't pay much attention as I sat in the car working but she was off the lunge and I did take some photo's - finally!!
Dorne her (very good) teacher says she's making very good progress. Lying in the bath this evening Alice said 'Dorne said I must have very good tummy muscles' !!!!!! Now you would have to really know Alice, her rotundness and her total allergy to anything that could possibly improve her fitness and muscle tone to know how I reacted. Actually I just said 'Really' but you can imagine the undertones....
Off to Auckland for 2 days. I'm doing computer courses on Microsoft's Access, Powerpoint and Excel programmes. I'm staying overnight with Beth and Graham so am really looking forward to a relaxing chatty evening there. You never know Eric might even blog while I'm away - though don't hold your breath, he has just started another Sharpe book after a 4 day period of abstinence!
Hope you're OK Mom.
Carol - we do love you really!
My daughters have just shown their true colours! We have just watched the mens coxless pairs in the Olympics. Australia won (the heat) with NZ 3rd but GB almost catching them (only the first 3 went through). As GB were catching up with NZ Harriette leapt up yelling 'Yes England - but don't beat NZ'!!! She then added 'I want England to go through but not at the expense of NZ'!!!! (Anyone reading this with any Irish, Welsh or Scottish affiliations please forgive Harriette her misconceptions!) Alice said she just wanted NZ to win! And as we have won nothing so far.......
I took Alice riding for lesson number 4 today. I have to confess I didn't pay much attention as I sat in the car working but she was off the lunge and I did take some photo's - finally!!
Dorne her (very good) teacher says she's making very good progress. Lying in the bath this evening Alice said 'Dorne said I must have very good tummy muscles' !!!!!! Now you would have to really know Alice, her rotundness and her total allergy to anything that could possibly improve her fitness and muscle tone to know how I reacted. Actually I just said 'Really' but you can imagine the undertones....
Off to Auckland for 2 days. I'm doing computer courses on Microsoft's Access, Powerpoint and Excel programmes. I'm staying overnight with Beth and Graham so am really looking forward to a relaxing chatty evening there. You never know Eric might even blog while I'm away - though don't hold your breath, he has just started another Sharpe book after a 4 day period of abstinence!
Hope you're OK Mom.
Carol - we do love you really!
Monday, August 16, 2004
My Dog Inca
Alice wrote this last September and read it to me for the first time today. That's about the average time it takes to get any information from her re school activities!
Inca is my dog
And a lovely dog he is
He loves to eat the sheep poo
And that is very true.
He gets frightened of the cows
And then he starts to whimper.
His brother Ben bit a hole in his ear
And then he shed a tear.
He always gets in trouble
But he seems like a double
I love my dog
And that's that.
by Alice
Aged 9 years
WAKYDOO
Hi Alice here. How are you all? I am good.
Guess what? What? Fudge,my calf club calf for 2004,led today with out somone shunting him up the mmmm. :) :) :) :) :) :). Harriettes calf,Rowan,is cute but stubbrn.
Perhaps I should explain for the poms! Mum and Dad said we could do calf club this year which is brillant because we didn't do it last year and we had weeny calves the year before. I am going to see if it makes a diffrent feeding them,grooming them then showing them the bottle and leading them with the bottle in front of them,then taking them out side and leading them with out the bottle. It worked today because I think he thinks that he is going to get a reward.
Bridget. thanks forthe advice bout names. I hope it works!!!
Love to all
ATx
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Piglets, calves and the weekend.
Did we ever say how much we missed Radio 4? Well I would say that people aside it was the biggest miss from the homeland. With such a small population here they cannot afford the range on national stations that the UK is blessed with. So we have National Radio and Concert FM. The first is a blend of radios 1,2,3 and 4 with a lean to 4. When we got here it was only broadcast on am (as in MW not mornings only), and the electric fencing caused a click every 3 secs. We chuckled at how amateur-ish it was (pips with 6 beeps of the same length which were frequently talked over and programmes that ran short and so we had this awful music as a fill-in). Well about a year ago we got an FM radio mast near here, and I've come to the conclusion that the Morning Report our equivilent of Radio 4's Today is actually the better programme. Since working at home I have also got into Linda Clarke from 9am -12md. An intelligent. pleasant to listen to presenter who always has topical and interesting subjects. Across the board on National Radio their standard of interviewing is generally very high and interviews can take up to 20 mins. Yes the fill-in music is still awful and yes they do still talk over the pips but I think I've got used to that. I cannot however cope with the Wayne chap who is on from 1pm until I don't know when. He plays music from a different decade each week but anything after the 60's is rare and I promise you it goes back to the 20's. It is like Sing Something Simple but 10 times worse. Eric gets in from work at about 1.20pm and sometimes he comes in to absolute drival coming out the radio because I have been too engrossed in work to turn it off, and has a good laugh. Sometimes it's even worse and I have to leap up and turn it off.
Anyway why am I talking about the radio? Because it has occured to me that I have heard no news all weekend and that is because I haven't had the radio on. I would normally have caught up this morning in bed but spent about 2 hours on the phone to Mom and Daddy. When I have finished this I will have to go onto the news page and find out who won the Tri-Nations yesterday.
We have agreed to have the TV on for 1/2 hour of olympics for the girls each night and Eric is still watching (we are loosing the basketball against Italy as I type).
Yesterday we went up to R+R to collect 2 of their bobby calves for the the girls. I think you will remember from 2 years ago that the children can prepare and take in a calf, kid or lamb for Ag. Day at school. The first year was a disaster partly due to the girls not knowing what they were in for and party because they did not do the preparation. Last year we said No, because they wouldn't put the work in the year before, but this year they can give it another go. Alice was up at the crack of dawn this morning telling me she would just have some cereal and then she was going to feed Fudge. I told her she would have to wait as Eric was still asleep and he was the only one who knew what to feed them (they are on some milk and electrolyte combination for 24 hours). This afternoon she has been asking since 2pm if she ought to mix up their teatime feed. Bless her. She was very chuffed to have got him out on the lead, as you will have read from her entry. Dear child, she asked me to get her up at 6am (I said No, I don't even get up that early!) so she can spend some time with Fudge before school. I hope the enthusiusm lasts.
Back to yesterday we went to Richard and Robyn's again in the evening for supper. They are still pretty flat out and when we got there a little later than planned Robyn had only just got in and was starting on the meatballs she was cooking (a very scrummy and interesting recipe the sauce to which includes ginger biscuits!!). I took over and sent her off for a shower. I had cooked and taken up the bulk of the meal as we wouldn't dream of them catering when they are so busy. Anyway we watched the first of Waikato's NPC games which they won very comfortably but it was only against Southland. As always we had a very pleasant and relaxed evening. As we drove home Eric and I commented on how we had missed our evening get togethers this last month or 2 and look forward to calving finishing!
The piglets got the shock of their lives yesterday-literally. We have been trying to work out how to give the mommy's some outside area to poo and wee in as in their rather confined quarters are getting smelly and they are soiling their bedding. It's been very complicated but we decided to try electric fencing off an area right outside the main door. It seems to be working but when Olympia was rooting around with half a dozen piglets hanging off her nipples she touched the fencing. 6 piggies shreiking at their food source suddenly sending out 3000 volts was very sad, and very loud. Poor little mites.
I will leave you with that thought. Night night all.
Anyway why am I talking about the radio? Because it has occured to me that I have heard no news all weekend and that is because I haven't had the radio on. I would normally have caught up this morning in bed but spent about 2 hours on the phone to Mom and Daddy. When I have finished this I will have to go onto the news page and find out who won the Tri-Nations yesterday.
We have agreed to have the TV on for 1/2 hour of olympics for the girls each night and Eric is still watching (we are loosing the basketball against Italy as I type).
Yesterday we went up to R+R to collect 2 of their bobby calves for the the girls. I think you will remember from 2 years ago that the children can prepare and take in a calf, kid or lamb for Ag. Day at school. The first year was a disaster partly due to the girls not knowing what they were in for and party because they did not do the preparation. Last year we said No, because they wouldn't put the work in the year before, but this year they can give it another go. Alice was up at the crack of dawn this morning telling me she would just have some cereal and then she was going to feed Fudge. I told her she would have to wait as Eric was still asleep and he was the only one who knew what to feed them (they are on some milk and electrolyte combination for 24 hours). This afternoon she has been asking since 2pm if she ought to mix up their teatime feed. Bless her. She was very chuffed to have got him out on the lead, as you will have read from her entry. Dear child, she asked me to get her up at 6am (I said No, I don't even get up that early!) so she can spend some time with Fudge before school. I hope the enthusiusm lasts.
Back to yesterday we went to Richard and Robyn's again in the evening for supper. They are still pretty flat out and when we got there a little later than planned Robyn had only just got in and was starting on the meatballs she was cooking (a very scrummy and interesting recipe the sauce to which includes ginger biscuits!!). I took over and sent her off for a shower. I had cooked and taken up the bulk of the meal as we wouldn't dream of them catering when they are so busy. Anyway we watched the first of Waikato's NPC games which they won very comfortably but it was only against Southland. As always we had a very pleasant and relaxed evening. As we drove home Eric and I commented on how we had missed our evening get togethers this last month or 2 and look forward to calving finishing!
The piglets got the shock of their lives yesterday-literally. We have been trying to work out how to give the mommy's some outside area to poo and wee in as in their rather confined quarters are getting smelly and they are soiling their bedding. It's been very complicated but we decided to try electric fencing off an area right outside the main door. It seems to be working but when Olympia was rooting around with half a dozen piglets hanging off her nipples she touched the fencing. 6 piggies shreiking at their food source suddenly sending out 3000 volts was very sad, and very loud. Poor little mites.
I will leave you with that thought. Night night all.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Motherhood...
....I'm useless at it. I've had a sneaking suspicion about this for awhile but this morning convinced me. Did I mention Harri and I had a bad day yesterday? Well it got worst. We left R+R's with 'have you got everything?', arrived home with me saying 'please take ALL your stuff out the car' and Eric telling h to take out all her stuff except her sax which he would take in, and asking 'where is your school uniform' to which H replied in that bag. She sat in the car in a strop for about another 40mins. I had written the girls a list of things to do when they got home, which included 'get your stuff ready for school tomorrow' you know the thing, knickers and socks out, bag packed, clean blouse and dress hanging up.
This morning Harriette came into the bedroom in underwear only and said she had left her (only) school dress at the Scotts, didn't know where her shoes were and could I write her a note because she didn't have a games kit (I refused). To say I went ballistic is an understatement. Is there a book that I haven't read? There has to be a reason that I have such thoughtless children. Am I being paid back for being an awful teenager myself (don't answer that Mom or Daddy I know I was an apologise unreservedly witnessed by the world - Sorry). But Harriette isn't technically a teenager yet!!!
This evening I have to say she was better. She then asked if she could stay the night with Ellice along the road. Big dilemma, do we say Yes and be guaranteed a peaceful 24 hours or do we say No your behaviour doesn't warrant it? We opted for the latter but agreed she could go there for the evening only. She actually took it OK and was still pleasant wneh she got back. I do love her so much despite all of this!!!
Alice came home from school grumpy. The school had put in recent newsletter that she got a Distinction (her first) in the Australian exams in science. She had been very chuffed and told everyone. Today she gets told that she didn't, she only got a credit but they think she has got a Distinction in English and she is the only pupil in the school to do so. I said to wait until she gets the results in print. Poor child!
Are you all ready for the Olympics. We will allow the TV on for 1/2 hr each evening to get the lastest. Isn't it outrageous that the opening parade is so late for the athletes. I bet it is to accommodate the American TV veiwers. They reckon that most of the kiwi's out there will be support staff as the athletes will be resting/sleeping at the village. That's probably true for most countries. Watch the Swindell twins in the rowing. They are very local to us and world champions as the moment.
Bed time. Night night, or Good morning.
This morning Harriette came into the bedroom in underwear only and said she had left her (only) school dress at the Scotts, didn't know where her shoes were and could I write her a note because she didn't have a games kit (I refused). To say I went ballistic is an understatement. Is there a book that I haven't read? There has to be a reason that I have such thoughtless children. Am I being paid back for being an awful teenager myself (don't answer that Mom or Daddy I know I was an apologise unreservedly witnessed by the world - Sorry). But Harriette isn't technically a teenager yet!!!
This evening I have to say she was better. She then asked if she could stay the night with Ellice along the road. Big dilemma, do we say Yes and be guaranteed a peaceful 24 hours or do we say No your behaviour doesn't warrant it? We opted for the latter but agreed she could go there for the evening only. She actually took it OK and was still pleasant wneh she got back. I do love her so much despite all of this!!!
Alice came home from school grumpy. The school had put in recent newsletter that she got a Distinction (her first) in the Australian exams in science. She had been very chuffed and told everyone. Today she gets told that she didn't, she only got a credit but they think she has got a Distinction in English and she is the only pupil in the school to do so. I said to wait until she gets the results in print. Poor child!
Are you all ready for the Olympics. We will allow the TV on for 1/2 hr each evening to get the lastest. Isn't it outrageous that the opening parade is so late for the athletes. I bet it is to accommodate the American TV veiwers. They reckon that most of the kiwi's out there will be support staff as the athletes will be resting/sleeping at the village. That's probably true for most countries. Watch the Swindell twins in the rowing. They are very local to us and world champions as the moment.
Bed time. Night night, or Good morning.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
I have just lost a blog entry that took me an hour to write. I am none too impressed as you can imagine!
Put this into perspective though Michelle at least you have an income (small though it may be) which is more than can be said for others. We had the bad news this week that a friend had lost his job when the company he works for went into liquidation. They are devastated as you can imagine. Our heart goes out to them. When we received the news I was having a bad day (hormones!) and was on the verge of tears at not being able to locate a permission form Harriette needed signing for school camp. Again - perspective!
We have been to R+R's today choosing calves again. On the way back to the car I spotted an elegant, but slightly dirty, vanity case on the quad! I immediately had visions of Robyn applying lippy or styling her hair while whizzing across the paddock on the quad (the latter would be difficult as she always has a beanie on when working). I picked it up and said to Robyn 'and this?' she laughed and explained that it contained the emergency things for the cows. 'You should see Richard with it' she said. I can't wait!! Richard please don't rush out and buy a more macho looking bag, it would spoil my thoughts!!! I told you Robyn that this was worth a blog entry!
It's still raining. It's rained since Sunday.... 6 weeks ago!
Tuesday saw Miwa depart for the first leg of her homeward journey. We had a Sayonara party at Matamata College on Monday night. The students showed the kids a variety of Japanese games and how to write in Japanese, they then did some amusing skits, lovely singing and had a certificate presentation before a finger supper. I was freezing all evening. It must be me as others were in blouses and shirts and seemed quite comfortable. I, on the other hand, was hidden under layers of jumpers and still cold! On Tuesday we took Miwa in to catch her coach. She was sooo upset and cried. She kept delaying boarding the coach and just when we thought she'd go she'd hug us all again! Poor Miwa. After dropping Alice at school, very late, I drove down to Kawhia for a meeting with a GP there. You may remember we took the dogs there when we first got them and spent 2 hours walking on the beach which was deserted. Kawhia is tiny and the one GP does everything doctor nurse and midwife-wise. He is lovely and we had a good meeting. I had overestimated how long it would take me to get down there and finding I was going to be early diverted through the small Walter Scott scenic reserve. The weather was not brilliant (did I mention the rain?) and as I climbed and witnessed more and more sites of previous washouts I began to wish I was in the Mistral or Safari rather than my little Ford Laser. I survived the journey though and was rewarded with stunning views of both the interior and the majestic and craggy Kawhia harbour. I would have loved to have settled there when we first arrived had it not been so remote. I did take my camera but the battery died after one photo!
I mentioned choosing calves today. Well needless to say any process involving H and I would be stressful. Richard and Robyn had a few red white faces ( a Hereford Fresian cross, is called a white face, they are usually black but some are red) and H and A chose the ones they wanted. I pointed out to Robyn saying Alice would like this one and Harriette would like this one when Harriette announced that she wanted the one I had indicated for Alice. On telling her that she chose the other one, verified by 2 others, she threw a tantrum and burst into tears saying we were all wrong and THAT one was the one she wanted. I was so embarrassed. I sent her away and discussed with Alice whether she would consider a swap but Harriette's behaviour continued to be so outrageous that I told Alice she did not need to reconsider. She (H) was still stropping 2 hours later. I heard an interview with Linda Clark this morning on the radio. Linda was interviewing an African women who lived in Norway and had just writtena book on her life. At the age of 8 she had been forced into being a child soldier. She had killed more people than she could count and had two children as a result of the many rapes she had suffered. Now rebuilding her life and working a nursery teacher she said 'all European children should pray every day and give thanks for the lives they lead'!!!!!!!!! Am I being unreasonable? I ask myself (over and over and over again).
We are meant to be taking Kathrine and Sarah, A and H to the snow this weekend but will not be if this weather continues. Which virtually guarentees we won't be going. S and K have never seen snow!!! Rain Yes, Snow No. This morning (I've had a paperwork day) I walked down the drive to post some letters in our mailbox. There was a break in the weather. I stopped in on the piglets and flooded the stable with sunshine (not because of my presence you understand but the rare appearance of the shiny globe in the sky). Seeing that the sky looked pretty clear I left them with the door open and went back to work. Yes, you've guessed it, within an hour it was hosing down. I actually didn't need to go back down as the rain was belting in from behind the stable so they would be OK. The baby piggies now get out and wander into the paddock. They have wandered up to dad and it won't be long before they find the electric wire that runs at ground level on his fence. Those poor little piggy noses!!!!
Happy Birthday Ben. 17!!!! I can remember..... well perhaps we won't go into that!
2 hours of blogging is enough. I'm off to wash up. Night night.
Put this into perspective though Michelle at least you have an income (small though it may be) which is more than can be said for others. We had the bad news this week that a friend had lost his job when the company he works for went into liquidation. They are devastated as you can imagine. Our heart goes out to them. When we received the news I was having a bad day (hormones!) and was on the verge of tears at not being able to locate a permission form Harriette needed signing for school camp. Again - perspective!
We have been to R+R's today choosing calves again. On the way back to the car I spotted an elegant, but slightly dirty, vanity case on the quad! I immediately had visions of Robyn applying lippy or styling her hair while whizzing across the paddock on the quad (the latter would be difficult as she always has a beanie on when working). I picked it up and said to Robyn 'and this?' she laughed and explained that it contained the emergency things for the cows. 'You should see Richard with it' she said. I can't wait!! Richard please don't rush out and buy a more macho looking bag, it would spoil my thoughts!!! I told you Robyn that this was worth a blog entry!
It's still raining. It's rained since Sunday.... 6 weeks ago!
Tuesday saw Miwa depart for the first leg of her homeward journey. We had a Sayonara party at Matamata College on Monday night. The students showed the kids a variety of Japanese games and how to write in Japanese, they then did some amusing skits, lovely singing and had a certificate presentation before a finger supper. I was freezing all evening. It must be me as others were in blouses and shirts and seemed quite comfortable. I, on the other hand, was hidden under layers of jumpers and still cold! On Tuesday we took Miwa in to catch her coach. She was sooo upset and cried. She kept delaying boarding the coach and just when we thought she'd go she'd hug us all again! Poor Miwa. After dropping Alice at school, very late, I drove down to Kawhia for a meeting with a GP there. You may remember we took the dogs there when we first got them and spent 2 hours walking on the beach which was deserted. Kawhia is tiny and the one GP does everything doctor nurse and midwife-wise. He is lovely and we had a good meeting. I had overestimated how long it would take me to get down there and finding I was going to be early diverted through the small Walter Scott scenic reserve. The weather was not brilliant (did I mention the rain?) and as I climbed and witnessed more and more sites of previous washouts I began to wish I was in the Mistral or Safari rather than my little Ford Laser. I survived the journey though and was rewarded with stunning views of both the interior and the majestic and craggy Kawhia harbour. I would have loved to have settled there when we first arrived had it not been so remote. I did take my camera but the battery died after one photo!
I mentioned choosing calves today. Well needless to say any process involving H and I would be stressful. Richard and Robyn had a few red white faces ( a Hereford Fresian cross, is called a white face, they are usually black but some are red) and H and A chose the ones they wanted. I pointed out to Robyn saying Alice would like this one and Harriette would like this one when Harriette announced that she wanted the one I had indicated for Alice. On telling her that she chose the other one, verified by 2 others, she threw a tantrum and burst into tears saying we were all wrong and THAT one was the one she wanted. I was so embarrassed. I sent her away and discussed with Alice whether she would consider a swap but Harriette's behaviour continued to be so outrageous that I told Alice she did not need to reconsider. She (H) was still stropping 2 hours later. I heard an interview with Linda Clark this morning on the radio. Linda was interviewing an African women who lived in Norway and had just writtena book on her life. At the age of 8 she had been forced into being a child soldier. She had killed more people than she could count and had two children as a result of the many rapes she had suffered. Now rebuilding her life and working a nursery teacher she said 'all European children should pray every day and give thanks for the lives they lead'!!!!!!!!! Am I being unreasonable? I ask myself (over and over and over again).
We are meant to be taking Kathrine and Sarah, A and H to the snow this weekend but will not be if this weather continues. Which virtually guarentees we won't be going. S and K have never seen snow!!! Rain Yes, Snow No. This morning (I've had a paperwork day) I walked down the drive to post some letters in our mailbox. There was a break in the weather. I stopped in on the piglets and flooded the stable with sunshine (not because of my presence you understand but the rare appearance of the shiny globe in the sky). Seeing that the sky looked pretty clear I left them with the door open and went back to work. Yes, you've guessed it, within an hour it was hosing down. I actually didn't need to go back down as the rain was belting in from behind the stable so they would be OK. The baby piggies now get out and wander into the paddock. They have wandered up to dad and it won't be long before they find the electric wire that runs at ground level on his fence. Those poor little piggy noses!!!!
Happy Birthday Ben. 17!!!! I can remember..... well perhaps we won't go into that!
2 hours of blogging is enough. I'm off to wash up. Night night.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Sunday morning and lying in bed at 9.30am!! Firstly late night, rugby (AB's v the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations - we lost, the first match that we have lost since the World Cup) and I had to finish my book (Harlan Coben 'No Second Chance' 8/10 about a child abduction and what you would do for you child and friends), secondly it's raining outside, and has done for days. So I have no incentive to move from this spot. Eric has to feed aminals but I don't so who knows when I'll shift. I was planning to phone Mom and Daddy but have just realised that it's 10.30pm there so will do that tonight.
Had an average week at work. FINALLY, got my payrise and backpay sorted out. The paperwork is completed now, just awaiting the cheque. On Wednesday Alice fell off her horse and on Thurday we went up to the Scotts to have a look at their bobby's and choose a calf. Of course, despite reading up on how to select a good calf ( www.lifestockimprovement.co.nz ) they still chose the weakest cutest looking one's. H in particular chose a yukky coloured thing. All the adults told her it did not look good including Bryce, Richards dad who had strolled down. We put feet down with heavy hands and said No (can't think who stroped - can you?) and said we'd have another look at the weekend, they would be having more red calves in the next day or 2. Since then both Sarah and Kathrine have phoned to announce the arrival of red bull calves (don't know if they were talking about the same or different ones). We will see this afternoon. It was good to catch up with R+R (actually we only saw Robyn), they are soooo busy so we keep a low profile at the moment. I'm looking forward to when calving finishes and we can have a good catch up.
On my various trips to Te Kuiti I met Helen, fairly newly emigrated from the UK. She was also a Health Visitor and is now working as a Public Health Nurse (what in the UK would be called a school nurse). Her husband Phil has struggled to get a suitable job, compounded, I feel, by the fact that he wants a career change and doesn't know what he wants to do. That (ie deciding on a career in the absence of a pull in any particular direction) must be hard enough when you are 17 but awful in your 40's). Anyway... a few weeks ago I invited Helen and her family over for tea and they came yesterday. I'm always a bit aprehensive when I do this. I knew Helen and I got on well but you never know how everyone else will get on. Well no worries, they are all lovely. Phil is a real 'London lad', down to earth, as they'd say here 'good value for money' which I think means good company. They have two boys Tom, a tall good-looking 15 year old and George 6yrs old and quite a character. Both boys were full of confidence and kept H, A and Miwa amused for the whole afternoon. In fact it was difficult to hear ourselves talk over all the hilarity at times, we must get folding doors to go in the wall between the living and dining rooms! There was a break in the weather shortly after they arrived so we took the oppertunity to do that walk you will be familiar with if you've ever been here, over the back and anticlockwise round the block. They had Chelsea, their 5 month old Weimarama, with them and she had a ball charging around with the boys. By the time we reached the stables the heavens opened again so we spent 45 mins or so clucking over the piglets. When we arrived all 13 were snuggled together with Olympia. It was so funny when she decided to feed them, 6 realised they were at the wrong milk bar and scurried over to Octavia but one was slow to cotton on and tried desparately to get let in. Mum gave him a talking to and he finally left for the correct pen. We had a real enjoyable afternoon. The kids got on famously and I was sorry to see them go. In fact we had to kick them out as Miwa had cooked us a Japanese meal for supper, Tempura, and was serving! Phil and Helen are thinking of moving to a place with a bit of land and I wouldn't mind betting that seeing Chelsea hurtling around the place would have added weight to that idea!! A lovely day.
Oh I suppose I'd better get up, Miwa is up and probably wondering if she'll ever get any breakfast and Eric has gone to feed aminals in a break in the rain and it is 10. 25am!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend
Had an average week at work. FINALLY, got my payrise and backpay sorted out. The paperwork is completed now, just awaiting the cheque. On Wednesday Alice fell off her horse and on Thurday we went up to the Scotts to have a look at their bobby's and choose a calf. Of course, despite reading up on how to select a good calf ( www.lifestockimprovement.co.nz ) they still chose the weakest cutest looking one's. H in particular chose a yukky coloured thing. All the adults told her it did not look good including Bryce, Richards dad who had strolled down. We put feet down with heavy hands and said No (can't think who stroped - can you?) and said we'd have another look at the weekend, they would be having more red calves in the next day or 2. Since then both Sarah and Kathrine have phoned to announce the arrival of red bull calves (don't know if they were talking about the same or different ones). We will see this afternoon. It was good to catch up with R+R (actually we only saw Robyn), they are soooo busy so we keep a low profile at the moment. I'm looking forward to when calving finishes and we can have a good catch up.
On my various trips to Te Kuiti I met Helen, fairly newly emigrated from the UK. She was also a Health Visitor and is now working as a Public Health Nurse (what in the UK would be called a school nurse). Her husband Phil has struggled to get a suitable job, compounded, I feel, by the fact that he wants a career change and doesn't know what he wants to do. That (ie deciding on a career in the absence of a pull in any particular direction) must be hard enough when you are 17 but awful in your 40's). Anyway... a few weeks ago I invited Helen and her family over for tea and they came yesterday. I'm always a bit aprehensive when I do this. I knew Helen and I got on well but you never know how everyone else will get on. Well no worries, they are all lovely. Phil is a real 'London lad', down to earth, as they'd say here 'good value for money' which I think means good company. They have two boys Tom, a tall good-looking 15 year old and George 6yrs old and quite a character. Both boys were full of confidence and kept H, A and Miwa amused for the whole afternoon. In fact it was difficult to hear ourselves talk over all the hilarity at times, we must get folding doors to go in the wall between the living and dining rooms! There was a break in the weather shortly after they arrived so we took the oppertunity to do that walk you will be familiar with if you've ever been here, over the back and anticlockwise round the block. They had Chelsea, their 5 month old Weimarama, with them and she had a ball charging around with the boys. By the time we reached the stables the heavens opened again so we spent 45 mins or so clucking over the piglets. When we arrived all 13 were snuggled together with Olympia. It was so funny when she decided to feed them, 6 realised they were at the wrong milk bar and scurried over to Octavia but one was slow to cotton on and tried desparately to get let in. Mum gave him a talking to and he finally left for the correct pen. We had a real enjoyable afternoon. The kids got on famously and I was sorry to see them go. In fact we had to kick them out as Miwa had cooked us a Japanese meal for supper, Tempura, and was serving! Phil and Helen are thinking of moving to a place with a bit of land and I wouldn't mind betting that seeing Chelsea hurtling around the place would have added weight to that idea!! A lovely day.
Oh I suppose I'd better get up, Miwa is up and probably wondering if she'll ever get any breakfast and Eric has gone to feed aminals in a break in the rain and it is 10. 25am!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Work, work and more work.
Raglan
This was were I worked yesterday. OK, so I was stuck in a surgery for best part of the day doing clinical assessments but I knew that this was outside the door and I sat and looked at it while I ate my late lunch before tottling home. Raglan is a little coastal town that has been discovered by real estate agents. It has not lost any of it's charm or been over developed but properties prices there have increased about 400% in recent years. I drove up one of the hills and was surprised how expansive the place was. But sooooo pretty.
Am a bit brain dead at the moment. Have spent all day planning a 2 hour lecture for nursing students. I kept changing my mind as to what to include and have not got a very good brief on what is required. I tried to contact the tutor today to no avail so I hope what I have planned is what she wanted.
Had a heated discussion with H yesterday as she announced she was not going on camp in October. There are 3 classes from her year going to somewhere south of Auckland. I would have taken leave and volunteered myself as a parent helper but it clashes with my 2 days of training in Auckland so can't. She got herself into a right tizz about it. Basically she was scared of the physical stuff she'll be required to do and has this aweful separation anxiety. I told her she was going and that I would talk to her teacher and left her in tears - God I'm an awful mother. Anyway she came home from school today and said she'd been thinking about it and had decided to go. I was so relieved, and proud of her for making the decision on her own. I did speak to Jenny, her teacher, and she will discuss with H tomorrow. I will pop in and see her one evening when I am up there. I hope she has a total ball and develops some confidence whilst she's there.
Alice had her second riding lesson - and fell off! Unfortunately Eric had taken her so I dread to think how hard he laughed when she probably needed a bit of consoling! Carol don't laugh! Again no photgraphic evidence as E did not take the camera.
We are going to R and R's tomorrow to choose calves for the girls for calf club. They have been warned that THEY WILL get up and feed their calves in the morning!!! Spoke to Robyn yesterday and they are seriously busy. Apart from tomorrow we won't be catching up with them until next weekend, hopefully (by hopefully I mean I hope we do get to see them then and not I hope we don't see them before then!!).
Alice had 7-a-side day yesterday. They play rugby, netball, hockey football etc for the day. Neither of us went so I don't know how she played. Trying to get how they played out of Alice is so complicated I'll just wait for the fortnightly newsletter!
Harriette spent today having stories, learning marae etiquette and Maori songs. And I thought she was in for an acaedemically challenging year. Alice had Miwa in hysterics this evening with her version of the haka.
Off to bed. Night night all.
Monday, August 02, 2004
For Todd
It catches me every year, I always think Todds birthday is the day after Emma's and it isn't - it's the day before!!! Sorry Todd. Don't know if you read this but hope you had a BRILLIANT 21st. I won't say I hope you didn't get too drunk as I feel sure you would have done. So I hope the hangover wasn't too big.
Big Hugs
Michelle
Big Hugs
Michelle
Sunday, August 01, 2004
And 6 makes 13
Yes I can add up. Eric has been fretting about Olympia for 3 days now, convinced she is carrying a litter of dead piglets, especially as half of Octavia's clan have been pushing through the dividing gate and suckling off her. This afternoon though his worries abated when we discovered she had produced. 7 piglets, 1 dead. She must have farrowed in the preceeding hour or so but the little buggers were full of beans climbing all over each other to feed. Poor Mum didn't move, she looked shattered! They look exactly like the other litter (didn't have camera - sorry). Robyn was going to pop up this afternoon to see litter number one but was not able to get away from the farm (nearly 200 calves born so far and almost half was through). Such a shame, if she had done she probably would have seen them being born. Anyway we ohhhdd and aaahhhhdd at them in the fading light. So cute.
I have just sent heaps of photo's to Japan. Miwa spoke to her parents yesterday and got her email address so we could send some off. She was adamant that this one go.....
We went for a walk along Waihou River today between Tirau and Putaru for those who have any idea where I'm talking about. It was very pretty but we had to turn back after 35 minutes because of mud. I though Eric had said it was a board walk and so we had not taken gummies, however he meant the walk was indicated on a board at the start - dohh!!
Yesterday was netball for Harri, then we picked up her friend Courtney as they had some science homework to do (they are comparing how fast bananas and carrots decay under different storage conditions so the house is littered with pairs of said items with DO NOT EAT in marker pen on them. It was a gorgeous day and I halped Eric down by the barn clearing some of the felled gum tree. Eric had hired a log splitter for the w/e and as he split logs I lit a big fire and burned branches. We made a huge dent in things and the paddock looks a lot tidier as a result. Eric still has the main trunk to split but we have a huge amount of wood with what he has already split. I also planted some cauliflower plants I recently bought. Today I did not get outside for long after the walk as I also did some baking with Miwa and we made lemon curd from Robyns lemons. I did mange to repot my lemon tree and sort the hanging baskets though. I did want to get a fejoa tree and jasmine planted but ran out of time. Oh, well next week is another w/e!
Big Happy birthday to my neice Emma, 17 today. Next year you'll be a real growded up person.
I have just sent heaps of photo's to Japan. Miwa spoke to her parents yesterday and got her email address so we could send some off. She was adamant that this one go.....
We went for a walk along Waihou River today between Tirau and Putaru for those who have any idea where I'm talking about. It was very pretty but we had to turn back after 35 minutes because of mud. I though Eric had said it was a board walk and so we had not taken gummies, however he meant the walk was indicated on a board at the start - dohh!!
Yesterday was netball for Harri, then we picked up her friend Courtney as they had some science homework to do (they are comparing how fast bananas and carrots decay under different storage conditions so the house is littered with pairs of said items with DO NOT EAT in marker pen on them. It was a gorgeous day and I halped Eric down by the barn clearing some of the felled gum tree. Eric had hired a log splitter for the w/e and as he split logs I lit a big fire and burned branches. We made a huge dent in things and the paddock looks a lot tidier as a result. Eric still has the main trunk to split but we have a huge amount of wood with what he has already split. I also planted some cauliflower plants I recently bought. Today I did not get outside for long after the walk as I also did some baking with Miwa and we made lemon curd from Robyns lemons. I did mange to repot my lemon tree and sort the hanging baskets though. I did want to get a fejoa tree and jasmine planted but ran out of time. Oh, well next week is another w/e!
Big Happy birthday to my neice Emma, 17 today. Next year you'll be a real growded up person.
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