28.03.15

It's not often we go to a music concert in our own little town of Howick, but this evening was an exception. Rachel, Ben and I went to the finals of the Howick Extreme challenge. We totally disagreed with the judge's finalist but so enjoyed the acts which ranged from mediocre to fabulous.
This picture is of a drummer who had his face painted white and went manic on the drums. I thought him talented - Ben thought it was a noise and random!
Kids, despite tagging along on a mother's event actually knew a whole raft of people performing and in the audience and so enjoyed themselves too.
Grateful for community events o go to: close by and where I can enjoy the range of talents we have locally. Feeling very much part of Howick tonight.

25.03.15

Pakuranga sailing Club - metre squared

26.03.15

Goat Island/Mattheson bay

10.03.15

..and so the soccer season starts - Rachel's first game at William Green. They lost to Fencibles 1-0 but it wasn't bad for a first game. At least this one was in the sunshine and not in the rain!

12.03.15

 

Look at this wonderful present form my sister. how lucky am I? Feel very chuffed tat someone has gone to this much effort for me. Thanks Tors. Now to find  a frame suitable as I'll treasure this for many years.

13.03.15

Another one of those evenings filled with dog play sessions at Mellons Bay beach.

14.03.15

Volvo ocean race in harbour race. What a privilege to sit out at teh harbour in front of the Hilton and watch awesome boats sailing on an awesome harbour. Pity about the parking fine...aaaagh and the machine swallowing my Credit card...aaagh, but we did get a ball dress for Rachel...yoohoo!

15.03.15

White nights trail in Remuera. One of those random evenings which just turned out so well. From a saxophone player dressed in white lycra playing outside the library steps, to ballerinas, graffitti, artist, glass pineapples, lei-bombed trees and even writing our favourite meal time experiences on a linen table cloth - all made for a most entertaining evening.
Grateful for people who give up their time to entertain and express themselves for others. Also for a warm, rainless evening and company to do this with (Matt, Rachel and Ben) Not quiet sure what Matt thought of it all!!!!

16.03.15

One of those stunning sunset evenings - love it. Driving down Gills rd toward Pigeon Mountain

18.03.15

It's been a long time since we had a tie this low. Great walking with Tessie along Mellon's Bay Beach. We could almost walk around to Eastern beach. Great walking over all the rock beds.

21.03.15

 

Pre-Goat Island - the opportunity to practice snorkeling before our Area 1 trip. 4 kids came - not bad for an afternoon's outing of 1 hour. At least these will be  a little more prepared for what lies ahead this week.

22.03.15

It's been a long time since I was last at a 21st celebration: this was Genevieve Smaill's and it felt a real privilage to be asked. I certainly missed having a 'partner' (Norm being away) but I did enjoy seeing the Smaill's house all decorated up and finished. It looked ever so smart and its a credit to them what they've managed to achieve. Having the 21st there seemed ever so fitting for the venue. Girls looked lovely and food was delicious. I spent the evening talking to Michael Dijkstra's parents (she works with Pam) - not sure what he'd say about me to his mum and dad. A lovely elegant evening.

23.03.15

 

Howick Community Fun Run

A really neat way to spend a Sunday morning: Tessie and I walked 8.5km and then did a triumphant run in over the finish line. A great group of kids took part - Richard and Danny are certainly 2 of my favourites. Tessie did so well with all the attention - she's never had so many hands all over her little body. Greta to be out and enjoying new aspects of Howick .

26.03.15

4.03.15

Took a very exited Sebastian to Howick Village Radio station today to sort out an FCI radio station slot. While I'm not sure this kid will eb one of our first DJs he was very keen and excited to come and check it all out.
Grateful for a job and the opportunity to look for projects outside of school - even if its going to mean extra work making it all happen! Fortunately there is time ahead so it doesn't all have to be done in one single moment!

5.03.15

OK so the carnage of the snow storm was evident when we got home from school Tess decided to destroy a pillow out of her kennel - and the  carnage was littered all over the lawn. Of course this was on top of the one she destroyed the night before! I do wonder what neighbours must think walking past.
Grateful for Ben being able to take responsibility for cleaning up after his dog! (and willingly!)

6.03.15

Just like a little old couple. Matt and Rachel are ever so comfortable in each other's space - here they were sitting side by side on the couch - not having to say anything but just be!. Nice to see her so comfortable with him. I guess my concern is that its too much too soon...and how do I protect her form getting hurt if it all goes pear shape?
Grateful for good friends my kids have chosen and not having to be friends with everyone but special people!

7.03.15

One of those slightly different Saturday evenings - doing a marine critters workshop with these 4 kids. just loving seeing kids keen to do something outside of the normal school routine and to see kids keen to give it a go as well. Really admire Richard and Gordon - what fine young men. I just hope that no parents were too upset at how late we were in getting them home. Oh well c'est la vie.
I look forward tomorrow to seeing what our night lights have trapped this evening.

Grateful for the opportunity to do something different and just explore this beautiful big world of ours. Grateful too for being in a position to connect with kids outside of the formal school environment - that really does give me  abuzz

2.03.15

Time to get back to reality after such a  great weekend away: back to chores. Am finally starting to melt downt he wax from our last honey gathering. As this one started to cool so it made these awesom ripples of cooler and warmer areas... really pretty.
Today I'm grateful for weekends away that give me a wider perspective on my life: make me realise that its not JUST about work!

1.03.15

A fabulous way to spend a Sunday - kayaking to the blowhole off Hahei beach. Glorious weather, great company and super views all around. Blowhole was quite something - very quiet and mysterious - a real crack in a  wall to go through.
Grateful for weekends and lovely lovely weather, but also for getting home and checking up on the kids!

28.02.15

I haven't snorkelled for years and this was just so lovely - off the island off Hahei beach. Vis. was good, water warm and my mask didn't fill up with water! Lots of fun trying to get a selfie type shot - the problem was I'm too buoyant so kept floating upwards instead of staying down. A very patient husband!
Grateful for my marriage, Norm and the chance to hang out with him without any interruptions!

27.02.15

Walking with Ben down to Mellon's Bay beach we saw a eel in the creek. Fabulous to see tat something int he wild is actually surviving the odds as I'm sure some dog, cat or child (even Maori) would be gunning for it. Reminds me to look for the good and be optimistic.
Grateful for walks with my boy as it gives us a chance to touch base (even if the body's sometimes weary!)

26.02.15

Even though this was taken last night it's very valid as it reminds me of some of teh peple who have walked alongside me for many yeras now and represent someof my dearest friends. I'm so grateful tothem for walks, dinners, laughs, cries and just being my friends.
Feeling very loved and honoured to have these ladies as friends.