Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Still sick
Yesterday I didn't feel so good, and then this morning, not feeling the best, I headed off to work. I figured it was only 3 hours, and I was feeling not too bad.
However, half an hour later I went downhill, and have just got back from the doctor, with an ear infection. $50!!!! Now I know why I don't go to the doctor very often. I can't even remember the last time I went to the doctor, it could well have been the last time I had an ear infection, which was over 3 years ago.
Lets hope it's another 3 years before I have to go again.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
SICK SICK SICK
Got home Monday, Tuesday went to visit a friend and then got some groceries. After I had had some lunch I had a lie down, and woke up feeling worse. Since then I've spent 95% of my time in bed, or my bed in the lounge (read that as lazyboy/sofa). Can't say it was a full blown flu, as I think I'm better too soon, but definately flu symptons. Fever, headaches, aching, etc.
Yesterday I dragged myself up, we got some wood in the morning, and picked up the guinea pigs in the afternoon.
Today, has been a bit of a non event. I did a mega clean out of crap from the lounge, and the last few bits from holiday, and then just vegged, still feeling a bit energyless.
Until tomorrow, when I have to find some energy... back to work.....
Sunday, July 09, 2006
SOUTH ISLAND
Tuesday
Weather foggy. Left 9.30, through to Turangi for lunch.

Wellington right on 5 o'clock traffic, which wouldn't have been to bad, except we weren't clear on directions to our hotel, coming straight off the motorway and pretty much into the driveway,

Wednesday
McDonalds for breakfast, and onto Te Papa.
We got a $10 pass to get us on the buses all day, which we really got our money worth. We went to Te Papa, which was great. There was lots to do and see, although the kids did get bored after a while. I could have spent a lot longer, looking at some of the exhibits about travellers coming over to NZ, was very interesting. Lunch at Te Papa.
After battling the rain, we found the movie theatre, saw Cars. Coming out of the theatre, we were wondering what we were going to have for dinner when we came across a eatery,called .... Hogs Breath.
What a great place, they catered for the kids, pens and colouring pictures, kids menus, great service and food, the atmosphere was similar to HardRock Cafe. We went back to our room and got jackets and braved the wind and the rain to go up the cable car. The view was great, but being dark there was not much else to see or do.
Thursday
By the time we got organised and got going it was mid morning. Jon had to see a client, unfortunately there had been a slip, and we were held up traffic. We finally called into a shop I had been wanting to go to, and then it was time to check in for the ferry. The weather for the ferry ride was not the best, we couldn't see anything going out, and it got quite choppy. Things were going OK, until Braden was sick, and then we all went and found a piece of floor and had a sleep. Dinner at Subway.
Our motel in Picton was not the flashest, but we actually got 2 units, which was they way things were arranged to give us the extra bedroom. It was an early night for the adults, sleep having been a bit scarce lately.
Friday
The dilemma this morning was which way to Nelson, either the shorter way, less used, or longer. We chose the shorter way, but very quickly regretted it, when we realised it was also the windy way. Both boys were sick, but once we hit the straight road they were better, and it was not long till we got to Nelson. A quick look around the shops, we were actually hoping to find a sled or taboggan, but couldn't find anything. While Jon went to visit a client I took the boys to the pools, one with a wave pool, which they enjoyed, burned off some energy from having sitting in the car all day.
We've went for a nosey around the Warehouse, got some thermals for the boys in anticipation of cold weather down further. Pizza Hutt for dinner, and then back to our motel unit for dessert and a DVD.
Saturday
We woke to an absolutely beautiful day in Nelson, and got away a bit later than hoped, but the nice weather was a welcome change. We stoppedat what is supposedly the longest swingbridge, but those from Waikato would contest that Arapuni is longer, not sure there. Jon went for a walk, the rest watched from the end. We stopped there for some lunch, buns and ham, and left over pizza. Not long after that the weather turned sour, surprise surprise,and hung around for a while. We finally got to Punakaiki, and headed off for the 10 minute walk, before, guess what, rain. We managed to make it aroundand back to the truck to dry off.
We are now in Greymouth, wet and windy, which is supposedly the first wet weather they have had for a while, typical.
Sunday
After the weather cleared a little we headed out of Greymouth, and to Shantytown. We must have spent nearly 3 hours there, including gold panning.
We left Shantytown, and headed over to Christchurch through the Arthurs Pass.
At first we were quite
disappointed as we had hoped for more snow, but once we got further along we found lots of snow near the road, and got the boogie board out and had a play.
We are now in Christchurch, Jon knows his way a bit around, so hopefully we should be right.
Monday
This morning we woke, and had breakfast at McD's, and then headed out to Orana Park
It was really neat in it was very natural, was great to see the animals really being able to get around. The cheetahs were neat, reacting to the kids at the fence line, but the highlight would have to have been feeding the giraffes. We were able to get right up to their heads, and feed them, pat them, and lots of opportunities for photos. The weather was very chilly so we headed to the shops, Jon finally bought some
clothes he has been after all week.
Tuesday
Right, we are finally starting to know our way around the place. Today we took the kids to Miniputt, not sure who had the most fun. Caddyshack is the most amazing place you have seen, just like a mini village,
all the parts of a town, church, ferry, Sky tower, river, circus.
After a drive through the Lyttleton tunnel, and lunch, it was back to Ice Skating. The kids have been wanting to go for ages, so, reluctlantly, we took them. Braden took to it,
not terribly fast, but was happy to cling to the wall and try. Cameron wasn't so keen, but gave it a good go, which surprised me, I thought he would have given up a bit quicker.
Wednesday
OK, nothing much to report here, official work days for Jon, so my friend and I took the kids out to one of the malls. No money spent, apart from lunch and a haircut for Junior, but amazingly, I did meet up with another Matamata girl, I mean, come on, go all the way down there to meet a local. Actually she is at Uni, so is technically a southlander.
Evening saw us attend official business dinner. Nothing exciting. After a spot of the casino, again, nothing exciting.
Thursday
Every year the association puts on a partners day out, great fun. Jons sister looked after the kids, and while Jon did the business thing I went and played on the army tanks. We got to ride in a couple of them, and look inside them all, but there was no shooting to be done. Unfortunately, all the time spent couped up in the car and hotels got to me, and when it came time for a few drinks, someone, not mentioning names, had a few too many, and consequently, can't tell you much about the rest of the day.
While I was away, the boys had great fun with Aunty Carlene. She took them to the movie 'Over the hedge', then to the science centre, to MiniPutt, and finally the pools.
Evening we attended a theme night, rugby, at Jade Stadium.
Friday
A day to relax, sleep in a little, and then I took the boys to Lollipops, for a drop off session, while we had a formal lunch.
It is now Friday night, having not long got back from the final dinner. We are well and truely ready to hit the sack, as we need to get away earlyish tomorrow.
Saturday
We got away OK, headed up the east coast, stopping in

As we were pulling into Picton, we got a text message (got to love technology) to say the ferry had been delayed by an hour and a half. We went down to see if one of the other ferries had any space, but at that stage they were only freight loads. Unfortunately not much is open in Picton at 5 on a Sunday afternoon, so we went to the playground


We had our dinner about 6, in the hope that by the time came for us to said our food would be digested enough to not give us any problems. Because there was nothing to do we went and checked in early, everyone had the same idea, we were the 50th car to check in. There were lots of kids roaming around, bored. We finally got onto the ferry, and sailed around 8pm.

There was a clown on board to offer some entertainment, which was good, because the kids were full of beans.
The crossing itself was very rough, rough than the way over, but none of us were sick, or really even felt sick, not so much for the rest of them, most were very quesy.
We finally got to our hotel at midnight.
Sunday
Sunday morning, was a very late start. I had plans to do more, but by the time we got going, called in to see a friend (hi Janine) and headed out of Wellington we were already behind our planned schedule.
Cameron had been sick at the Hotel, and again in town, so he slept from Wellington to Palmerston North.
Once in PN we took the kids down the this great little park, complete with train and all.


We went to have a late lunch, and Cameron was sick again, so we headed off to Taihape, with Cameron sleeping from PN to Taihape.
We made it to my Aunty and Uncles farm, with no problems, although I can't say I'd want to travel that road too often.
Cameron came inside and slept on Jons knee for half an hour, woke for a drink, and then went to bed at 6, and didn't wake till 8.30 the next morning, right as!
We had a great night catching up with my family, we don't see as much of them as we used to, so was neat to hear about what they had been up to.
Monday
After a sleep in, and a wander around the sheep farm we finally got on the road about 11.30. We had promised the kids the whole holiday we would take them to a Time Out, so had planned to do that when we had lunch in Turangi. We we got there most of the games weren't working, so we went into Taupo for a turn.
We started the last leg of our journey,

Monday, July 03, 2006
Great!
"On Wednesday, showers stick around for Wellington but should clear elsewhere and cold southeasterly winds should ease as a ridge of high pressure spreads over the country."
Thanks Wellington!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
You gotta love IRD
Oh, m, gosh! It's 4.17, I'm off the phone. I can't believe it, that would have to be the quickest call to IRD, EVER.
I guess that means I need to get on and do other stuff! Like organising for this holiday. Two weeks is a long time to have everything for!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Tuesday-we leave, and stay 2 nights in Wellington.
Thursday 2pm we get on the ferry, and stay the night in Picton.
Friday we travel to Nelson, stay the night to break up the travelling.
Saturday we head to Greymouth, visiting touristy things on the way
Sunday, onto Christchurch for 2 days of sightseeing before official business
Wednesday to Friday IS official business
Saturday we head back up the east coast, catch the ferry and stay again in Wellington
Sunday we call into friends in Palmerston, don't seem them as much as I would like so looking forward to that, and then onto family in Taihape
Monday we make the trek home, back to our own beds!!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Yes, well, I normally prefer to do my waterblasting in summer, shorts and t-shirt, barefeet, but today, it was long pants, jersey and shoes, which unfortunately got soaked. The thing is, when the house needs to be sold, ya can't wait for summer to do the waterblasting, so we went down to Jons mothers to help get the house and section ready for putting on the market. That took most of the day, so by the time we got home and had Subway for dinner, it was time to get the kids ready for bed, and to settle in and watch Survivor, which is getting interesting (I won't link to it, as it has spoilers on the website, and for once, I would like to be surprised as to who wins)
Thursday, June 22, 2006

Thats not the real exciting part though. See the first picture, it has a USB port on the front, so I don't have to keep reaching over the back to plug my camera cable in.

But wait theres more..... see the second picture, with the little flap open, it has 2 more USB ports, for what I'm not sure!
OK, so I just get over this excitement, when I realise something even more exciting, I don't need all these ports, because... I also have memory card slots. Take the photo, insert the card into the slot, and it's all done in 2 seconds.
I'm loving the speed, we went from 120mbRam, to 512, so 4 times more operating memory. The only problem is transfering all the files from the old computer. The other good news is the old computer had 20GB memory, which we had only used half of, this one has.... wait for it.... 160 GB. What on earth are we going to do with that amount of memory? One good thing is, after I have taken a hard copy onto disk of photos, which Jon keeps at work, I can leave them on the computer, means no more searching through disks to find photos from several months ago. Then probably every 6 months or so I'll make another hard copy, to keep.
Right, that's about enough excitement for me.
Monday, June 19, 2006
An update on what?
Nothing much!
It's absolutely freezing here, and Braden is sick, has had the day off today, and therefore I had to take the day off aswell.
Jon is away again this week. Last week Fiji, this week South Island. Talk about extremes! While Jon is away the kids get to take turns sleeping with me, and I couldn't resist taking this photo of Cameron, sound asleep with our cat Rocky.
And while it's not the best photo, (that's what happens when they move away, and you can only snap photos at visits), here is Iesha, now 3 months old.
So we got a new computer on the weekend, and I've spent the day transfering the relevant info, takes awhile, and I see somewhere along the line, my photo banner has been gobbled up. Will have to try to fix that.
Sunday, May 21, 2006

Here is Troy, on the left,
and Cameron, getting to know the dryosaur ,
and then Braden, saying goodbye.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006
And another makes 5
Our guinea pig had babies.

I hadn't blogged in a while, and it was someone else who made the comment, she feels like she needs to put a photo with each entry. I thought, yep, that's me too, so I'll share some photos of our newest additions.
These 2 little critters here are only 5 days old, can you believe it? On day 1 they were outside, running around, eating grass, etc. Now, they are just roaring around, in and out, having great fun.
We still have a baby from the last litter, she is blind, and no one wants her, so she now lives with us. She has taken on a protective big sister role, and can often be found snuggling up with the babies to keep them warm. Thats her in the background of the 'group photo', and baby in front, along with Mum, left, and Dad, little brother must have been camera shy.

Thursday, April 20, 2006
OK, so while I'm here...

.... I should share some photos from our weekend. We went to the Easter show in Auckland. It was a great day out, ok, yes, a bit expensive, but we were there from 12.30 - 7.30, and had a ball.
The boys are getting old enough to try new rides, although Cameron is still very hesitant to try anything different.

For me, this was one of the things I was looking forward to.



Census baby (just)
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
OK, so I stink at this blog thing.......
I've just typed a whole post and then lost it, aaaargh, so this may be the abridged version.
A couple of weeks ago we were lucky to be taken to away for the weekend, courtesy of JOns work, a kind of partner appreciation time. We went to Waitomo, stayed at the original hotel, and in the afternoon learned we were to go Black Water Rafting. OK, 2 things, first, I am scared of small/confined spaces, secondly they were dividing the group up, and we were being mixed, so, get to know the person next to you, they are your new rafting buddy. It was not as bad as I first thought, the space thing wasn't as bad as I first thought, and we had a great group, including 2 really cool guides.

In the evening, we dressed up, or rather down, farm attire, and went to Billy Blacks. Now you may not know Billy, but you may have seen his mate, Don Rash on TV. Billy does a 'farm show', absolutely fabulous, lots of animals, and audience participation, I would imagine a real hit with the tourists. Check it out
Thursday, February 23, 2006
PARTY PARTY PARTY




OK, for those that couldn't make it, we didn't miss you :) Well, we did, but had a good night anyway. After dinner, pinata,(I'm not sure who had the most fun there), and cake,(which is another story itself) we enjoyed each others company until about 12.30. The kids didn't go to sleep until 1.30, and were awake again at 7.15, so it was an early night in our house on Sunday.

Sunday, February 05, 2006
Mini Putt
