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!