Living Like a Small Green Hairy Fruit

Naked Chef

We've put pics on here before about the success and failures of our vegge patch.

The following is a brief summary of blanching your cabbages:

First, check you cabbage is big enough to pick.  You can either use your hand as a guide:

or your head:

either method will do.

Then you must wash and chop your cabbage.  I've found this is best achieved by getting a half naked man to do it for you.  If you don't own a half naked man, you could substitue with any man, but this may result in inferior quality cabbage blanching.

Then you simply pop the shredded cabbage into lightly salted boiling water, cover and amuse yourself with the half naked man for a few minutes.

Strain the cabbage and plunge into ice cold water, drain and place on baking trays to open freeze. Once frozen, bag, seal and label and store in freezer.  Hopefully more from the Naked Chef soon!

Ahoy Mateys, Which Way to the Poop Deck ?

January 2008

Having got slightly worried about the shade of green Mark and the kids were turning every time we were out and about and everyone else on the road seemed to be trailing a boat, I finally gave in an agreed to go boat hunting.  We spent most of the new year trawling (no pun intended) around all the boat sales we could and working out what we could actually afford.

That turned out to be an oar at best.

So we eventually sorted the finances and settled on a TradeMe bargain.  An 18 foot Barracuda cabin boat with a 140hp outboard in classic Tango orange!  It even has onboard restroom facilities (a 99c green bucket!).  And here are some pics of our latest venture when we took her out to Brooklands and Quail Island off Lyttelton.

Anchored up on the beach at Brooklands

The first time we took the boat out we were going to launch at Brooklands.  Only when we got there the tide was so low we weren't sure if we could.  I went over to ask a group of guys who were stood by their trailered rib.  Turns out they were hoping I could tell them as they'd not launched there before either!  Anyway that was all a bit academic as on returning to the car Mark showed me the trailer light and its metal pole which had literally just snapped off! Great start to our boating exploits!! We couldn't go on to Lyttelton with trailer lights so had to head back home for quick repairs, which fortunately Mark is a dab hand at. So with metal hoover extension tube and pillar drill and a few bits I have no idea the names of Mark crafted a new light pole and we set off again, not for Lyttelton but in search of the boat ramp at the Kaiapoi River.

We found that ok and with a bit of guidance from others around the bank our first launch was successful and we headed out.  The Kaiapoi River joins the Waimakariri and we passed the MacIntosh holes and its keen fishermen. We just pootled up and down for a bit, then with more confidence, zoomed up and down getting a feel for the boat and how it and the engine handled.  It was great fun.

The first time we launched at Lyttelton was just as much fun. Not.  I can't remember now what had gone wrong that morning but the world seemed to be conspiring against us actually getting out.  Mark commented that perhaps it was a sign we shouldn't be going out at all.  Anyway, we eventually got to the Lyttelton boat ramp, only to find we had to pay $3 into the barrier machine.  Great. Only a couple of days before I had emptied by purse and handbag of all coinage and put in the Non-Scanky Bathroom Fund Jar.  So we had to unhitch the boat and I sat with it whilst Mark headed off into 'town' to acquire coins.  We got the boat launched ok and headed out to sea but it was so rough we were being tossed about all over the place.  Not wishing to end up dead on our first sea outing we headed back inshore towards Quail Island, which was, thankfully, calm waters and warm sun and just idyllic.

The first thing we caught at Quail Island was a spotted dogfish, quickly followed by an eagle ray, both of which went back into the sea even quicker!  The ray took ages to reel in, probably because it was flat and the size of a dustbin lid.  Apparently both are abundant around these waters.

Shortly after that we noticed the water was getting a bit murky and in the excitement of the catch I'd hadn't checked the depth gauge. Low tide was nearly upon us and as we had been warned, it gets truly shallow around the island.  So shallow in fact that the depth gauge was reading 0.0! We quickly packed the gear away, lifted the anchor and headed back. But as soon as we rounded the island we were in 2 metre swell and the boat was being lifted up and banged back down with each wave. Not a pleasant experience and we like rollercoasters!  It does make you very aware of how quickly things can change and the unpredictability of the sea.  We were prepared, you know, lifejackets (neatly stowed in the cabin), first aid kit (in the car onshore), but we did have a VHF radio tuned to channel 16.  It got calmer as we neared the boat ramp and we made it back safe and sound even if our legs were like jelly.

Our second trip out on from the Kaiapoi river saw us rescuing 2 guys who'd fallen off their jet bike.  As they tried to climb back on they pulled the seat off which broke the seal and the whole thing started to flood and sink. We threw them a rope, got them on board and towed the sinking bike into shore with the bike's owner (their friend who had lent it to them) hanging onto the back of his prize possession in the water.  They'd come off in the middle of the channel in the Waimakariri and the current was really strong; they'd never have made it trying to swim the thing back to shore. What we couldn't believe was knowing how dangerous it can be out there and how quickly even strong swimmers get into trouble, some flash jet boat just sped straight past them and ignored them!

Since then we've been out several times from Kaiapoi and when the tide was right turned into Brooklands and beached the boat to have a picnic on the sandy shore in the sun and watch the other boats bombing up and down pulling biskets and water-skiers.  And we went out from Lyttelton to Taylor's Mistake and caught 3 more shark looking things, an unidentified marine creature which despite major efforts just refused to be reeled in and 2 blue cod and watched as numerous black jelly fish gently floated by.

We are presently saving up for a bisket so we can throw the kids out on it and amuse them (and if Mark had his way himself by cutting the line!!!) so will post more pics and details of outings shortly.

Yis, know its nearly end of Jan, but heres our Xmas Blog

Our First Kiwi Christmas 2007

As I might have already said we'd decided snowy xmas decs would just be too weird in the middle of summer so we bought some new ones, although bizarrely we did hang plastic icicles off the tree! And of course we had to put on the kids' special ones so along with the new snorkling santas and sparkly fish we did have a frosty the snowman.

Here's a pic of our 1st Kiwi Xmas Tree:

I had to work Christmas Eve but we finished early so I was home by 10pm.  Eventually managed to get the kids to bed around midnight and we weren't far behind as I was shattered.

Christmas Day morning the kids waited patiently until 7.30am before crashing into our bedroom baring gifts of hot tea and coffee.  Happy that we were sufficiency awake (I at least opened an eye), they ran off and quickly returned dragging sacks and stockings and piling onto our bed.  Bless em.  I didn't think they'd be that excited this year, being that they're 13 and (oh so nearly) 12. But they were and bounced around merrily tearing through Father  Christmas presents.

And I, for the first year since being with Mark, got some presents in my stocking! Each year I hopefully hang up my fluffy red stocking (which for some reason has an applique of a festive mouse head) only to wake Christmas morning to find it bereaft of gifts. But THIS year I got some so I must have done something right in 2007 to be deemed 'a good girl'!!!

Mark was puzzled with one of his stocking presents, a can of orange Tango, until I explained it was purchased from The Gingerbread lolly shop, and then he realised it was an incredibly overpriced UK import.

Kids seemed happy with their gifts of body boards, water bombs, scrapbooking stuff, scooter, heaps of chocolate and other stuff I remember paying a small fortune for even if I can't name it.

We then went up to the rumpus room and trashed that with the opening of presents from under the tree amongst which were some great gifts from family, which all arrived safely, thank you. xxxx

Then Mark opened the bubbly and we all retired to the hot tub for the rest of the morning! It was a really hot day at 34 degrees!

Lunch was a relaxing BBQ, although Mark did point out to the kids that they were actually eating reindeer sausages (they were venison), but they didn't seem detered by that and cleared their plates anyway.  That was followed by not Xmas pud but traditional Kiwi pavlova, homemade, filled with strawberry ice-cream, again homemade, and fresh kiwi fruit. Yummy!

 Everyone got some sort of game as one of their presents so we played boules in the garden in the afternoon before taking Leo (our dog) down to the river so he could cool down, which he really appreciated as it was sweltering.  Then it was back home and back in the hot tub for us to cool off.

Evening was just vegging in front of the tv with cheese and crackers and chinese nibbles and that was our first Christmas.

Boxing Day we were supposed to be having a picnic at the beach with friends but the weather wasn't too brill in the morning, so we went fishing instead. It started off cool and drizzly but towards the end of the afternoon it was warm and sunny again, great! The weather changed just in time for us to leave the beach as I had to work that night!

We did have the beach picnic with friends as the rest of the week the weather was brill. The kids all got to try out their body boards at Waikuku and it was a lovely day, even if a little windy, making the sandwiches even sandier. 

So it was a lovely, quiet, lazy Christmas and we really enjoyed it. It was great not having to spend the day in the kitchen and to be able to just relax. Perfect! 

Another Week in Paradise

17 December 2007

Well another week has flown by, is it just me or does time actually go quicker here?!  It doesn't seem 5 minutes since we were at the motel and flying around trying to sort our new life here out, but we've been here nearly 7 months.

Last week was a mixed bag weather wise.  It started off a sorching 34deg, though not humid or muggy, it remained hot at night too.  Then we had 2 or 3 days of rain on and off, although it stayed warm.

Fortunately there's now a ceiling on the time I have to work till so no more finishing at 1.30am! The coming week will be busy stocking the store for the expected Christmas rush.  Yes, its the same here. The store will only be closed for 1 day, Christmas Day, but I've been told that people still panic buy and stock up like they're never going to see food on the shelves again! 

I met Helen for coffee on Friday.  Despite the on/off rain, it was dry and warm enough to sit outside one of the townstreet cafes.  Seems like ages since I've seen here and we sat and chatted for an hour or so swapping notes on kiwi employers and how things are going in general.  She's got PR (permanent residency) too now and we were so pleased for them (well I was, Mark was a bit disappointment the objection he lodged to their application fell on deaf ears, LOL!).

Mark's fly rod FINALLY arrived on Friday.  After waiting well over a week and with much confusion over the address, district we lived in, etc, the guy from the store actually delivered it in person on his way home from work.  Its a really neat set up in a smart wooden case and comes complete with reel, line, flies and leader line.  I gave Mark an early Christmas present of a book on Fly Fishing (unfortunately not by JR Hartley!). 

Saturday we woke up to clear blue sky and that damned hot sun again.  We were going to go fishing early but Kaela had gone for a hastily planned at school that day sleepover on Friday night to a friend's house in Oxford.  And with the few days of rain we'd had the garden had been overrun with weeds so we spent Saturday morning tidying up the garden and vegge patch and clearing an unused and overgrown bit of the one of the flower borders for more veg.  Mark got another load of not so pleasantly fragranced pig poo to dig in.  Shaun popped round with Zach.  We don't see them hardly at all since they moved to the wop wops and especially less now that Liz is working weekends.  Mark headed off to the sports shop and came back with backing line, fly gel and bait cotton and a gas tilly lamp.  I helped him spool the various lines onto his reel and then he took himself off to the garden to practise casting into the wheelbarrow.  He did look quite professional actually although he lost the bobble dummy fly up in the cherry tree.

Kaela was brought home having had a great time at her mates house.  They'd been to her friends church Friday night for an Oscars night and had sausage and chips in a cup and played games.

We did about half the garden and then packed up and headed off for Kairaki beach.  We got loads of bits but no real takers.  Mark caught a decent sized herring and kept it. One or two little ones that went back.  It got to about 8.30pm so we stopped and got fish, burgers and chips and went down to the riverbank so that Mark could have a go with his fly rod.  Kaela, having only worn shorts and a t-shirt and for once not remembering to pack spare clothes (usually she brings enough for a fortnight) was cold so she wrapped a beach towel round herself and stayed in the car where Andrew tormented her till we couldn't take the screaming and arguing anymore so Andrew was ordered to sit on the spot on the riverbank and shutup (never too old for time out!!!) which he did.  By 9.30pm it was starting to get dark, so Mark lit the tilly lamp.  We always take the camping stove so I made us all hot drinks.  I went further down the river and tried spinning with the vague notion that I might just catch a salmon. But no.  Mark and Andrew went off the gather wood around 10.30pm and built a campfire and by 11pm Kaela daned to join us.  Sadly Mark lost two flies and caught no fish so he had a go spinning, but no luck with that either.  It was a really still night, not even a breeze and not cold - Mark was still in shorts and t-shirt and it was just lovely sitting around having seen the sunset and the sky turn to night and with no light pollution the masses of stars twinkling away.  The river was still as a millpond apart from the odd ripple and splash of elusive fish jumping.  If you tuned out the kids, it was lovely and peaceful and serene.

We got home around midnight I guess.  Kids went straight to bed, shattered.  We put everything away and had a quick tidy round.  The kitchen counter was fully of veg we'd picked from the garden; a cauliflower, 3 huge cabbages and a heap of new potatoes.  Mark blanched the cauliflower and put it in the freezer. We tried a bit and It tasted so sweet and crisp. Lovely. Too tired to do anymore, we checked the emails - of which there were none! (why have you all stopped writing to us?????!!!!) and went to bed.

 Sunday 16 December 2007

My sister's birthday!  I sent a text, then realisesd it wasn't yet the 16th in England, der!  Happy Birthday Penny!  Hope you had a great day.

Woke to the promised nor'wester, the scorching hot, dry wind and blue sky.  Bit of a lazy morning, sorting washing and tidying up.  Mark blanched the cabbages and they went into the freezer too.  Then around 12.30pm we set off for Kairaki again.  We watched the car thermometer reading the outside temperature climb.  I guessed it would hit 27deg, Mark reckoned 29deg.  We stopped for frozen bait at the garage and ice lollies and I got the lady to wrap them in a separate bag and then put them in with the bait so they wouldn't melt.  It had gone up to 33deg inside and outside the car so Mark had put the air con on.  It was only a 5 minute drive, if that, to the beach but it helped us cool down a bit.  We didn't go as far round this time and stayed on the river mouth side.  The heat was blistering but Kaela insisted on sunbathing anyway against all advice to the contrary.  There is no shade on the beach, the pine forest is set well back to offer any relief.  A passing dog took refuge under our car.  Mark set the lines up and I went to chat to an old boy just up the beach.  He was spinning for salmon.  I asked if he'd had any luck since the season started (on 1 December).  He said he'd caught a 24lb salmon just last Monday.  Very impressive.  Wish we could land something like that!  I set my line up and we used Bonito this time.  First cast and I caught a decent sized Kahawai straight away!  Andrew got two fish on one line at the same time and was well impressed with that.  Mark caught loads but opted to put them all back.  I caught a few more and kept a couple.  I think we caught about 15 between us altogether, herring and kahawai of which we kept 5.  Kaela just caught far too much sun for her own good and was positively glowing by the time we packed up.

Kaela was in a mischievious mood and kept splashing around in the sea right where Andrew was trying to fish.  I told her off and sent her to go play in the sea to the other side of me, well out of taunting range of her brother.  She was really ancy.  Whilst she was angrily splashing her feet around with her back to us in disgust Mark run up behind her, scooped her up and threw her in.  This made her giggle, as always, and she couldn't keep her bad mood up then.  Mark barely let her get out of the water before doing it again, and again.  And again.  It wasn't too long before Andrew, not wanting to miss out, dropped his line and ambled over pretending to paddle too, just so dad would throw him in too. Which, not one to miss such an opportunity, Mark did.  They spent about 20 minutes running round screaming and trying to get past Mark who was chasing them round and round the car and along the beach catching them and throwing them back in.  It was great.  They kept trying to gang up on him and get him in the sea but no chance, he's a strong as an ox and there was no way they were going to get the better of him.

We left the beach very happy with our day's catch, very hot, and burnt but very happy indeed.  As soon as we got home I hit the shower (work that night), Andrew began gutting fish, Kaela ironed all the school uniforms and work clothes and Mark took Leo down to the river to cool down and have a good swim and play.

We'd all caught the sun a bit too much today and laddled on loads of After Sun.  Mark's back and the tops of his shoulders were particularly sore.  My legs up to the line of my shorts were so red it looked like I'd been stood in boiling water.  And Kaela, well she was a glowing beetroot, arms, shoulders, chest but she kept insisting it didn't hurt, wasn't tight or sore, etc.

And for dinner that night we had fresh kahawai and herring, beautifully filleted, dressed, seasoned and BBQd by Mark, hot buttery homegrown potatoes, homegrown cauliflower gratin.  Mark even used the dill from the herb garden for the fish.  It was all so tasty and very satisfying to be dining on the fruits of our labour.

It had been a wonderful end to a great weekend, even though I had to go off to work.

I went in to kiss the kids goodnight when I got in from work.  Kaela wasn't wrapped tightly in her duvet as she usually is.  She just had her old nanny blanket lightly covering her.  Guess she was suffering afterall then.

It Took 6 Months But I Got One

Thursday 6 December 2007

Mark had come home early as he had an appointment, after which we went fishing to Kairaki beach.

It's supposed to be the start of salmon season when they start migrating from the sea up the river and Kairaki is where the Waimakariri River flows out into the Pacific so we thought we'd try our luck.

As usual we weren't getting anything.  I walked over to Mark for a hug with my head hung low, sad that I'd never caught anything.  Shortly after, he caught one, a baby Kahawai. We were all really pleased for him and went to see.  He unhooked it and put it back.  As I turned round I saw my rod lying in the sand.  Typical I thought. Can't even get the rod to stay upright. What hope then of catching owt?  Dejected I picked it up and it pulled hard I started reeling the line in but couldn't.  I was so excited and shouted to Mark to come and help.  He reeled it in.  I was so elated there was going to be a fish on the end and that I hadn't just got it caught up on logs or weed for a change.  We could see the fish jumping and splashing as it got pulled in, but we weren't expecting the size of it when Mark finally landed it on the shore.  It really was yay big!!  Mark unhooked it and I just jumped around so happy.  And I know you're suppossed to put your first catch back for luck but this was, to me, a monster of a fish so I was buggered if it was going anywhere other than home to our dinner plate!

Mark handed me the kosh, a lead dolly, and told me to hit it hard.  I didn't want the poor thing to suffer so I did hit it as hard as I could.  Which didn't even stun it.  It just rebounded on the soft sand and carried on trashing about.  I hit it again.  And again.  It stopped moving so I prodded it.  It trashed about again.  So I hit it again.  Mark was laughing his head off at me.  The kids, like me, had gone from mildly concerned to shouting 'die you bugger!'.  In the end Mark came over and smacked it one and not convinced it was properly dead I gave it a couple more blows.

Andrew took the nappy bucket to get water to wash all the sand off and I popped the catch into the bucket. Only it didn't fit and its tail and back end were sticking out.  I was still jumping around so happy to have FINALLY caught something, the fact it was something worthwhile was a bonus!  Another fisherman came over, told us what it was and that it would need 'bleeding' straight away.  So I cut its tail off, put it back upside down in the bucket and put it under the car (I was worried about a passing seagull flying off with it - Mark said it would have to be a bloody big seagull to carry it off but I hide it under the car anyway).

We caught another few each after that but only baby ones that went back.  Mark caught a yellow eyed mullet that was a decent size so we kept that.

Me overjoyed with my first catch!  He weighed 5 1/2lb.

Mark doing an impression of a yellow eyed mullet!

Mark cleaned and gutted his fish and told me what I needed to do, which I did.  It was amazing seeing all the bits inside and we tried to work out which organ was which, much to Kaela's horror who kept peering into the kitchen then running away making lots of eeew noises.

We went back on Friday night and the kids had their rods this time too.  Mark and I only caught one or two little ones each which went back and Mark got a decent sized one to bring home.  But it was the kids that amazed us.  Every minute one of them was shouting 'got one' up the beach to us. 

Kaela was ecstatic to get her first catch ever!  Mark had done the lines up with 3 hooks on each and Kaela reeled hers in and had one fish on each hook as her first ever catch! What a result!

She insisted they all went back in the sea and went on to catch another 3 fish that night, only one at a time.

Andrew did well too.  He caught 5 in total, 4 were all baby ones too that he put back but 1 was a fair size and he wanted to keep it.  And fair play to him he killed it, washed it, bled it and gutted it and Mark cut it up for bait for him to re-use.

So no salmon, yet, but we're all having a great time with this fishing lark.  Mark has a fly fishing rod coming that he bought off Trade Me so hopefully we'll have some more fishing news to report once he's mastered that.

The Vegge Patch

Beginning of  December 2007

Well all Mark's hard work with the building of the propagator and seed trays has paid off.  We've had a bumper crop of radishes, gourmet lettuces, some broccolli, new potatoes and cabbage and the cauliflowers are doing nicely.  As are the potatoes in buckets.

We've started another bed with tomatoes, brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, lettuces, cucumber, watermelon, peppers and chillies and also have strawberries.  Once the trees blossomed we realised we also have 3 plum trees, as opposed to the one we'd been told about by the neighbours, and 2 cherry trees, which are all doing very nicely.  There's also sweetcorn, watermelon, more onions and lettuces coming on in the propagator.

The vegge patches were heavily mulched with local pig manure and get watered everyday and feed every week.

The kids did well with their potatoe in a bucket competition for school.  Kaela grew 9 potatoes and Andrew 13 and after judging on 3 December they were allowed to bring them home and they made lovely buttery new pots with freshly chopped parsley (from the newly planted herb garden).  And very sweet and tasty they were too!

The cabbages have grown enormous - just over 2 foot in diameter.  We've been taking off some of the outer leaves to use for dinners and Mark has blanched and frozen some already.

Here are some pics of our produce so far:

We're pretty impressed with our monster veg! And it all tastes so fresh and sweet.  Can't wait for the watermelons and cucumbers!

Christmas is Coming

1st Week November 2007

So Christmas is coming, the shops have pulling the halloween stock off the shelves and started putting up the xmas decorations.  Helen and I went to The Palms shopping mall and The Hub this week in search of inspiration and presents to send back to folks in the UK.  Only trouble is, it doesn't 'feel' like Christmas.  Blue skies, warm weather, shorts, t-shirts and jandals just don't go with Christmas now, do they?

I did eventually manage to find some (hopefully) suitable presents.  Its bad enough trying to find something personal and age appropriate etc, without also having now to consider the size, weight and postage implications!  And the last cheap guaranteed xmas posting day is 10 November so that also didn't help having to shop so early, feeling decidedly unChristmassy.

I did actually get quite down about all this. I'm usually eager to put up the tree and get organised early with cards and presents and food and bits. But I just couldn't find the enthusiasm.  It isn't like we know too many people that well, and with no family here there's no need for excess food and drink and all the extras that add up.  You might think that's a bonus and would save us a few dollars, but its just weird making that adjustment from doing what used to come automatically and buying all the usual treats.

I was out shopping locally on my own and had completely lost the plot with all this.  I had been in Farmers department store where they had Christmas music playing and I just burst into tears.  I don't know why. It just all seemed so wrong. Maybe it just that I've hit the 6 months blues. But I don't feel homesick. Maybe it just reminded me of the lack of near and dear ones. I'm not sure. But I texted Mark and told him.  Immediately he texted back asking what was wrong.   So I told him basically I just feel like a fish out of water and what was the point in looking for mulled wine when its too bloody hot to drink it anyway!  I got a text back which simply said 'look for ice'.

Now you might think that's not very helpful. But it was. It made me realise I'd been looking at this all wrong.  Rather than getting frustrated and down and try to get things to fit my idea of Christmas, I should be looking at stuff appropriate to us now and grasp the opportunity to make some new family traditions.  And with that my mood lifted.  I went to The Warehouse and bought new decorations, little wooden ones of Santa in togs snorkling, some sparkly fish, some irridescent turquoise chains of starfish and seashells, and some new baubles in various shades of green and blue.  I took back the cranberry sauce, well turkey is very expensive at around $40 (half my weekly wage!) and texted Mark again suggesting a BBQ, salad, ice cold fruit punch, kiwi and strawberry pavlova and the beach or games at home or the park in the afternoon. He texted back to say it sounded good to him.  So that's it, Christmas sorted.  And no expensive seasonal food shopping required!

Its now the 10 December. We put the tree up in the rumpus room last Wednesday and decorated it Thursday, along with traditional gold and red downstairs in the lounge.  There's no point really switching on the tree lights as it doesn't get dark till around 10pm, and I doubt we'll bother with any outside lights for the same reason.

I was sat on one of the benches today on the townstreet. Blue sky, warm breeze, the town digital thermometer thingy showing 24deg, and Elvis belting out Pretty Christmas over the townstreet tannoy.  It was like Disney's Main Street. Sort of an unreal feeling like I was on holiday or something and it was just made up for tourists.  But its not. Its real. And its home.  And it made me glad that it was my home and I thought how lucky I am to be here.

Remember, Remember

5 November 2007

Bonfire night. Usually we'd have family round, cook up some chilli and jacket pots or bangers and mash and then set light to 1/2 ton of gunpowder in our back garden.  This being our first in NZ and there being no family here we decided to go to an organised do so headed off for Woodford Glen Raceway with Helen, Steve and kids.

Due to start at 7.30pm, it must have been a popular event as the carpark was already full and closed by this time! We headed back towards Kaiapoi and parked on a housing estate which had a walkway through to the raceway, not knowing whether we would get in or not due to the numbers already there.

We were expecting fireworks. What we weren't expecting was some fantastic racing, bashes and crashes.  I tried to get some photos but it was all a bit fast for my phone camera:

I did manage to get one clear picture as one car was being towed off the track:

After the racing we were treated to an amazing fireworks display that seem to last around 20-25 minutes.  There was one firework that misfired and went off sideways, but the show continued to much ooohing and aaahing.  At the end the commentator asked over the tannoy if the kids had enjoyed the show, to which the kids all cheered. He asked if the adults had enjoyed the show, to which the adults all cheered. Then said 'Greeeaaaat! Can we get an ambulance over here?'  We thought he was joking but no, apparently two men lighting the fireworks had been injured by the one that misfired.  We couldn't believe they'd waited so long before calling in assistance! Obviously pleasing the crowd came first. Bizzare!  As far as I know they weren't too badly hurt and one was discharged from hospital that night.

Some people headed off as soon the fireworks finished.  It wasn't a cold night and there was more racing to come so we sat down on the grass banks to watch a few more before heading back home ourselves.

A great night, well worth the $35 family entry fee, and we'd definitely like to go back there again just to watch the racing.

Mo-Vember

November 2007

Mark came home with a leaflet from work about Mo-vember. Its something for the guys in order to raise awareness and money for the prostate cancer charity. Men are encouraged to grow a moustache for the month of November with judging on Friday 30th.  His company were offering a $100 prize money, a crate of beer and, surprisingly, the most sought after pink winners sash of Mo-vember champion!

Mark started a moustache and goaty but the beard bit drove him nuts so that quickly got shaved off.  He persevered with the tache though, and although not a winner on this occasion I do think it quite suited him and got used to seeing him with it.

This, I think, was about day 4 or 5 and already it was annoying him!

By the end of November he looked like this:

Personally I think it made him look more mature, responsible and like a dad.  Taking great offence at those comments he shaved it off straight after judging!

Hot Tub Happiness

As you might know, the house we got already had a hot tub in the garden.  Its very old and a bit manky and the wooden tongue and groove boxing was rotten.  Mark made sure the thing actually worked and heated up and once he was happy it was worth doing, set about re-doing the surround.

It looks stunning now its all finished and it certainly is a joy to be able to get in and relax in a little sheltered spot in our garden with blue sky above and birds twitering away.  Occasionally I even get in after finishing a night shift! Its quite heavenly to be able to unwind in the hot bubbles at midnight under a canopy of stars.

this was taken, obviously, whilst work was in progress.  Mark ensured it was super insulated and installed pink batts (loft insulation) all around and made a split lid, also insulated with pink batts, so it really holds the heat.  I gave it a good scrub with disinfectant and Mark is now 'pool guy' and checks and adjusts the chemicals daily.

I've planted up the area now with native grasses, cordylines and tree ferns and bought some hooks for our towels and robes, which Mark put up on the fence. 

It's a little bit a paradise in our own backyard!

When it was all finished and filled with fresh water, Mark called the kids to get their togs on. He proferred $10 to them each if they got straight in up to their shoulders without dipping their hand in first (it was bloody freezing as we'd only just put the water heater on).  Of course the kids, not wishing to pass up the chance of money, jumped straight in despite suspecting it was gona be icy cold! Not mercenary at all, eh?!

Happy Birthday Weekend Kaela

26 October - 28 October 2007

Kaela celebrated her first birthday in NZ, her 13th, with a sleep over on the Friday night with 4 of her mates, a shopping trip to The Palms on Saturday with them and a trip to Orana Wildlife Park on her Birthday on the Sunday.

As per the teenage script, the girls fell in and out of friends regularly over the weekend, but I think in the end they were all friends and enjoyed themselves.

We decorated the rumpus room with Happy Birthday banners, balloons and streamers and a selection of photos of Kaela from baby to now.

All the girls slept up there on various mattresses with heaps of pillows and duvets and spent the evening eating tons of (fat free? I think not!) lollies and sweets and watching an assortment of DVDs.  I think they eventually got to sleep around 3.15am - at least that's the last time I can remember us having to yell at them to shut up and get some sleep!

Kaela spent her birthday money at The Palms on clothes and bits. Helen kindly (or should I say bravely) came with me to help keep an eye on them.  Then they all came back to ours and made up any differences they'd had and carried on playing and eating lollies! Eventually they all went home around 6pm ish.

Sunday we woke Kaela up early as we were taking her to Orana Wildlife Park and wanted her to have her cards and presents before we left.  Nanny Joyce and Grandad Maurice rang to sing Happy Birthday and she opened her presents from them whilst they were on the phone to her, which was lovely.

One of the presents we'd bought her was a rag dog as being 13 is a funny age - not quite wanting to let go of childhood and not quite being a young woman, so we thought she would appreciate the doll. She didn't!!!

However, Andrew took quite a shine to the doll and rather worryingly kidnapped it straight away to his room where she was put to bed all tucked in and nestled on his pillow.

She did however, like the Asics we bought her and the t-shirts from Auntie Jan & Uncle Kev

We'd booked the Lion Encounter as a birthday treat. Its where you get to go in the cage into the lions enclosure whilst they're being fed so you are literally inches away from their gapping jaws! One lion climbs up onto the top of the cage, others hang off the sides and continue to cling on as the land rover drives on, and one (the mum) pounds her paws repeatedly on the cab, although the keepers don't know why! They said mum was hand reared by someone who used to have dogs so mum has picked up some strange habits, like chasing balls etc!  We also saw the tiger leap, fed the giraffes, watched the cheeter chase and African wild dogs and rhinos being fed. 

 This is what was inches away from our noses.... whilst up above we were stalked by a lioness licking her lips!!!

All in all it was a great weekend, we hope Kaela enjoyed her birthday, she got heaps of cards and presents. I think we all enjoyed Orana and the lion feeding was one of those once in a lifetime moments I don't think we'll ever forget.

First Catch

October 2007

As you probably already know we've taken up fishing since we got here. Usually no matter how hard we try, we catch nothing, accept each other's lines, a few trees and shrubs when casting, or a load of debris we dredge up from the river and lake beds. We were starting to think there were no fish in New Zealand and it was all a big myth. Afterall, we'd tried every kind of bait, lure, spinner, method and achieved zilch.

But today MARK CAUGHT HIS FIRST FISH!!!!  And here it is...

We think it's a yellow eyed mullet.  He went back in the water, for good luck, and then bugger me Mark caught another one shortly after.  I think it was the same one he'd caught again, but that's probably just sour grapes on my part as try as I might I catch nothing.

Anyway, a big WELL DONE! to Mark, who proudly collected his winnings, $10, off Helen and Steve (we'd bet that for the first catch). 

Happy Birthday Weekend Mark

14 October 2007

Happy Birthday Mark!  Well, actually being special (needs) Mark has to have a whole weekend to celebrate the anniversary of his arrival on the planet.

He often says I have one more child than he does to look after, namely him! But that does mean he's easy to buy for. We just head for the toy shop.

One year Andrew bought him a mega huge pump action water gun, and then suffered the consequences of his thoughtful gift to dad.

Saturday was spent gardening. I thought it would be safe to run down to the cake store to pick up his birthday cake as he appeared well occupied tending to his vegge patch and he usually doesn't question me if I say I'm just popping to the shop. But being the nosey sod that he is before his birthday he wanted to know where I was going, why, to get what, why did Kaela need to come, etc. I just told him I was nipping down town for some 'stuff' and left.

Sure enough he was on the drive awaiting our return and as soon as I'd parked up, had his nose pressed against the car window checking for any surprises for him. Big kid.

That evening we had invited Liz and Shaun and their two younger kids, Dale and Zach, and Helen and Steve and their 2, George and Jodie, for a party in the rumpus room.  Mark had been busy buying up disco lights on TradeMe and these were up and running and it looked really cool.  We spent the evening sat at the bar, trawling through the cd collection for requests and reminiscing about the 80s, our respective youths (misspent or otherwise).

The boys had shut themselves away in Andrew's room to play PS2 games and whatever else it is that  boys do that always results in the room being stenched out with thick odour.

The girls decided that the adults were going to have a dancing competition. Amazingly we all managed to pick our own halves when drawing dancing partner names from the hat.  Disappointingly though, my partner said he needed to man the bar.  Just in case. In case of what wasn't clarifyied.

 We had to do musical statues, so as you've probably guessed when the music stopped we all carried on dancing so we could get out. But we got told we weren't 'playing the game' so embarrassingly had to continue.  Fortunately they gave up on us shortly after and instead pulled the futon out and piled it up with pillows and duvets and attempted to sleep amidst whirling disco lights, load (boring) 80s music and us talking 'loudly'. (Bit of a cheek complaining really as usually its the kids that our loud and annoying us!).

Liz sat at the end of the bar getting merrily bleary-eyed steadfastly drinking her way through a box of wine, supposedly with soda, but I don't remember Mark even taking the lid of the soda bottle.

(it's not the camera that was out of focus - it was the drunks at the bar! - or possibly me!!!!)

We all sung Happy Birthday and gave Mark his cake, a huge chocolate one in the shape and decorated like a bottle of Jim Beam. But I only put 10 candles on as we wanted to see the cake not just a burning pyre!

Helen, bless her, was sat watching the clock and at exactly 12.03am sung a solo of Happy Birthday, although there was much debate as to whether it was actually his birthday at that time as he was born in Singapore, not New Zealand, and there were various calculations going on to work out time and day differences, but that all made our heads hurt so it was unanimously agreed that he was now officially old.

Eventually Helen and Steve and their 2 left and Liz went off to find Zach to put him to bed as her and Shaun were staying over.  Now Liz had visited the toilet many times during the course of the evening - you know how it is when you've been drinking? You go for hours but as soon as you go to the toilet the first time you then can't stop. Well she'd been gone a while so I went to find her. Good job too as she was trying to get into the airing cupboard for a wee! Bless. Pointed her in the right direction, got Zach to bed, quickly followed by Liz before she feel over.

Ashamedly we were not up in time the next morning to see or say goodbye to Liz and Shaun.  Somehow they've mastered the art of drinking without hangovers so were up and away bright and early.

We had to be out by 10am anyway as I'd planned a birthday surprise outing. Mark had had many attempts at guessing what it could be but was wrong on all counts. We were trying to convince him we'd booked a bungee jump but he wasn't buying it.  We gave him his presents, a kids weight fishing rod (just like the one we'd bought the kids and Mark got all arsey cos it whipped cast better than his one!), an emergency wind-up torch that you could charge any mobile phone on, with a siren, and am-fm radio (in case of an earthquake!), some Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles and a Sherbet Dib Dab (how expensive were they from the English sweet shop!), a Jim Beam t-shirt, an Orange County Choppers t-vest and a tropical bar tenders shirt with palm trees and cocktail glasses - very loud and busy - print, a clock for his workshop made out of a chop saw blade, some biscuits (for joining wood), and a few other bits.

So having done the presents it was time to go. Not bungee jumping but horse trekking and then jet boating.  It was only a 15 minute drive to get there, but not really the best of weather. Bit cold and blowy.

So we got a brief rundown on how to drive a horse. Kaela is frightened of horses so I'd asked that she be led. But she was very brave and tried to relax and just enjoy it.  The plan was 1/2 hours trek, then jet boating whilst the horses waited in the paddock eating grass and generally chilling and then 1/2 hours trek back.  Mark and his steed led our happy little convoy, followed by Andrew who appeared to be nearly sat in his saddle. His little bottom was so lopsided I was sure he would just slip off the horse sideways.  Kaela was next and me and my donkey, Rose brought up the rear.

I say donkey, Rose was more of an ass - a very stroppy, wild eyed, deranged creature who's only interest in tagging along at all was so she could eat.  She lolloped and stumbled along trying to shake me off when I did as instructed with her reigns to try to stop her eating.  In the end one of the walkers came to lead her as she'd really try to throw me off forwards over her neck and then tried to rear up. Kaela saw and I just sat up and smiled and said it was fine was I didn't want her worrying.  Meanwhile, Mark and Andrew were up ahead and doing great.  I was grateful when we got to the paddock as Rose could eat for 1/2 hour and hopefully she'd be ok then for the ride back to the stables.

However, the jet boat was beached on a shingle bank in the middle of the river with a 4x4 trying to pull it free.  In the end they couldn't free it and said to carry on with the horse trek and then go round to another jetty further upstream where they'd have another jet boat waiting for us.

Rose must have been furious! The other horses didn't want to stop eating but eventually they got them to the steps ok and everyone else got on and their horses settled down and were resigned to the fact they were off again.  Ha! Not so Rose. Her eyes were really wild. She eventually let me get on and the lady walking beside me didn't look to happy either and held onto the leader reign with a firm grip.

No sooner had we left the paddock, Rose started again, trying to pull off the path and flinging her head around and stamping her feet (sorry, hooves).  It took two of them to calm her down, which she did and walked along ok.  Kaela's horse was starting to get jumpy to by now.  A little way on and the gravel path rose up with a steep grassy bank either side.  Rose obviously liked the look of the grass and bushes at the bottom of the bank and decided she'd go for it. Fortunately the walker had a tight hold and by this time I'd had enough. She'd really scared me now and I know that would only make her worse. And being as it was Mark's birthday I didn't think a dead wife would be much of a gift. Although he may disagree. So I said I wanted to get off and walk instead.  Kaela instantly wanted down off hers too.  This seemed to cause quite a stir with the walkers but I did assure them we were very happy to walk and they'd done nothing wrong.  We'd only gone a few paces down the path and Rose started rearing up and trying pull away from the guy. He was also holding onto Kaela's horse and she started getting twitchy as well so he really had his hands full.  So a long walk back and to add to the fun, it started to rain.  Not gentle rain, that face stinging sideways rain.  Mark and Andrew were still doing great on their horses, which was good to see.

The rain stopped by the time we got back to the stables and they had hot drinks waiting for us.  The kids went to see the lambs and were allowed in to give them their botttles and pick them up and cuddle them.  Kaela decided lambs were better than horses and she wants one. To keep in her bedroom.

I asked the guy if I could have a horseshoe for the birthday boy. He was more than happy to dig one out of the shed and found a nice shiny silver one, and then walked past Mark and gave it to Andrew, who luckily is so slow on the uptake he didn't correct the guy and say it wasn't for him.

We did the short drive down to the boat ramp where there was indeed a very fine jet boat awaiting.  We were issued with warm gloves, hats, sunglasses and lifejackets and given simple instructions of stay sat, hold on at all times and don't scream.  The wind was so raw it felt like little needles all over your face but I looked over at Mark and he was grinning and laughing and obviously having an awesome time of it so it was well worth it. And when the boat spins you can't help but laugh; it was amazing.  It was a good 1/2 hour up river and back to the boat ramp. Cold and a bit wet but we were all smiling so much our faces hurt. And guess what? Kaela wants a lamb. Mark wants a jet boat!

We popped home quick to get changed into warm, dry clothes and then went out for hot soup and crusty bread. Gorgeous.  We came home and snuggled down in our cosy lounge. Mark put the Fantastic 4 DVD on and I fell asleep.  At the end of the DVD I woke up and then we went out fishing and sheltered under a bridge whilst we did our usual of loosing hooks and spinners in the river and up trees without actually catching anything.

All in all it was a great day and despite the weather Mark really enjoyed himself, especially the jet boat, which, funnily enough is what he's now on the lookout for on TradeMe.

School Hols

21 September 2007 - 7 October 2007

Unlike the UK the 4 school terms are 10 weeks long, followed by 2 weeks break.  Me and the kids spent most of the hols with our friend Helen and her two children, all roughly the same ages.

The first week was quite peaceful really as we swopped children; Helen daughter slept over here with Kaela and Helen had her son and Andrew.  For 3 days! So no arguing or fighting just peace in both households. What bliss! 

We took them to the Antartic Centre near the airport in Christchurch.  Bit pricey on the entrance fee at $135 for a family ticket (2 ad, 4 kids) but that did include a Hagglund ride.  The lady on ticket sales naturally assumed Helen and I were Australian (?), we said no, we're from Rangiora, which raised a puzzled look.  The Antarctic Centre is crammed full of information, is well laid out and has some good interactive stuff.  We went in the wind chill room. You have to put on thick jackets and rubber over shoes before going in. The room has snow and ice, with an slide made of ice blocks, a tent, snow ski etc and is made up to look like the landscape of Antartica.  There's a wind chill thermometer and you can operate the fan to see how low you can get the temperature. Think kids got it down to -21deg wind chill factor!  Then they start the fans and the overhead monitor shows you the wind speed, wind chill, etc.  There were shelter areas for anyone to go to if it got too much.  Helen, in a very concerned, loving and gentle motherly way pointed them out to her kids and told them to go if they were two cold.  I instructed my two to stay put no matter what!  Paid a bloody fortune for this so the least they could do was stay put and soak up the whole experience!

 The Wind Chill Room before they turned the fans on

The Hagglund ride was so cool.  Takes 5 in the front car and 11 in the back. The driver said the front car is more scenic, the back car gets a wilder ride - so the kids made a beeline for the back car.  You get heaps of information on the vehicle, what it is capable of, where and what it is used for, etc, which was great, except I've forgotten all of it as I was more interested in holding on tight! The driver said it even crosses cravasses (sp?) and to prove it we did, several times! Oh, and it goes in water to, which we did.  Awesome experience but didn't last nearly long enough!

We stopped then for lunch, we had a picnic outside and Helen got totally fleeced in the cafe. After that it was packed lunches every outing.

Then it was time to see the Little Blue Penguins being fed which was really sweet but boy what a bunch of weirdos!  Apparently they are all there as they've either been hit by boats or attacked by dogs, cats, etc, so every penguin is a little deranged, brain damaged, nervous, blind or partially disabled.  There's one that does nothing more than hide up in the bushes. One that spends all day padding along the window ledge between heat lamps.  One that bites everyone and everything. One with huge pink rubber shoes on as she had corns(?).  A couple that are scared of the water so have to be fed on land.  It was funny and sad at the same time, if you know what I mean.  When I told Mark he commented that basically I'd paid a fortune for the kids to visit the Penguin Psychiatric Ward. And well, yeah, that's more of less what it was.

We took them out and about, shopping at The Palms (or Palm Springs as Helen likes to tell everyone!), which the boys were very good about as the girls needed jeans and we needed to shop for Mark's birthday so it was like a lifetime to them sat in girly shop doorways hanging around whilst various styles and makes of jeans were tried and discarded.

We took the kids and the dogs to Waikuku beach for a picnic.  Bit chilly in the wind but a really nice day and it was great to see the kids running around like they were little again. The girls lying down in the sea, the boys burying each other in the sand and running and hiding in the dunes.  Once the picnic was handed round Leo, having dragged himself from the waves, decided to trot into the middle of our little camp to shake; well you can't expect to go to the beach and not get sand in your sandwich, but me thinks it was a little unnecessary!

And we also visited Orana Wildlife Park. We couldn't go in the feeding cage as they only had 1 ticket left available but we did watch to see what happens and will definitely have to go back with Mark and Helen's husband Steve cos that is just one experience you wouldn't want to miss!

Orana (means safe haven) was so much bigger than we'd expected and heaps of animals but all kept in great habitats, not just small, dank cages.  Every animal has a feeding time you can see and where possible they try and make it accessible to the public.  Like, we got to feed the giraffes! That was cool. We we each given a twiggy, leafy branch and told to hold it up and make like a tree.  Giraffes have the weirdest blue/black tongues that wrap around the stick and shear off the leaves so you have to hold onto your 'branch' tight!

There's a train - well a tractor actually pulling two carriages - that goes around the park with an informative talk and lots of drop off/pick up points.

Have put some pics on but am definitely going back to Orana so will do a proper bit on that once we have.

Not To Be Left Out

Kaela was getting really annoyed that it was always Andrew helping dad in his workshop so being the stroppy I can do that kinda girl she decided to muck in and help out one day - but only on condition I took photos and put it on the blog!!!

So here they are. One clueless blonde and a workshop.  Why she needed ear defenders to operate a tape measure is anyone's guess.  She was a little perplexed by all the 'big' numbers on the tape. She can only count to 3, although she can now do this several times over to count things in greater quantities than 3, but 3 will still be the answer she comes up with

Ok. So in this one she's figured out she needs to have the tape measure against the object to be measured. That's a good start. But judging from the look on her face the answer was more than 3 and so obviously did not compute.

Dad offering City & Guilds Pre-Novice Level Tape Measurement Guidance Training & Practical 

Needless to say that's all the photos we have of DD's time in the workshop.  Happy to have some pics of her 'helping' to go on the blog she then sloped off to do something a bit more girly.

Good job really - can you imagine carnage if she'd have got hold of something more powerful..... like, say, a spanner?

(NB. I will not be in the house or local area the day she receives real power tool training - that's Dad's department! Brave man)

We Adopted

Beginning of September 2007

Some of you might already know but we had the unenviable and heart-wrenching task of re-homing our beloved family dog, Rimmer, before we came here.  Rimmer was very special to Mark as he'd had him since he was a puppy and he was such a clever, loveable, expressive dog.  But Rimmer was old and had a heart murmur and after months of deliberating the very best thing we could do for him was to find him a good home in the UK, which we did and he know has a lovely lady, Helen, who he gets heaps of attention, treats, walks, play time and cuddles from.

This is Mark and Rimmer

Now, it was never our intention to get another dog.  Rimmer was irreplaceable and we quite liked the freedom of not having get back to walk/feed the dog if we were out for the day.  When we came for our recce in March we hardly saw a dog but since moving here we've seen loads, albeit they are mainly working dogs riding in the back of utes!  But here we go and about to so many great places that a dog would love to explore and run around in, unlike the UK.

Mark has always wanted a wolf, or failing that a huskie.  We were at a party one evening at our friends Helen and Steve's house, when Helen mentioned there was a huskie on Trade Me, free to a good home.

The next day I was on Trade Me but the huskie had already gone.  Mark had recently mentioned that he'd had a dream about a brown dog that didn't look like Rimmer, but was.  Weird.

I did find on Trade Me though a lovely 2 year old Alsatian/Collie cross called Possum who was free to a good home so after discussing it with Mark we went one evening in September just to have a look.

A lovely English couple, Liz and Graham had taken Possum in.  He lived in their neighbourhood but was always running away from home as he wasn't always treated well there.  Liz, I think, had had enough of taking Possum back each time when he clearly didn't want to go back and his family didn't want him. So Liz and Graham took him in and gave him a good home and lots of love and training and got him vaccination and 'fixed' at the vets.  They already had 2 dogs and their first baby due in November.

The night we saw Possum he'd just been 'fixed' and had a lampshade on.  Molly, one of their lovely other dogs was very boisterous and considering Possum had just had an op the day before and a daft annoying lampshade he was very good natured and not bothered at all about being jumped all over etc.  The kids adored him, as did I, but really the decision was Mark's.  Before we left Liz said she had other families coming to see Possum so we had a few days to think about it, but Mark replied 'what's there to think about'.  He obviously was quite taken with Possum.  As we pulled off the driveway Liz came running out, she'd had a quick chat with Graham and they'd decided that they'd put the other families off viewing and that we could have Possum once his stitches were out! The kids were so excited and we spent the journey home trying to think of new names as we really didn't want to be out and about shouting POSSUM! (Possum's are nasty, vicious vermin).  I chose the name Leo, as he has the colouring of a lion and a mane. But there were plenty of other suggestions, like Pirate (in honour of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow as Possum has black eyeliner too!!!)

Mark set about constructing gates either side of the house for the impending arrival of our little escape artist. 

Saturday 15 September 2007

Liz and Graham and a lampshadeless Possum arrived at tea time. We'd stocked up on dog food, lead, collar, toys, tennis balls etc. and received a lengthy and informative email from Liz about Possum's history and routine and temprement which was so useful.

We felt sorry for Liz and Graham. They seemed so sad to be leaving Possum as they'd become very attached to him over the previous 5 or 6 weeks. Not surprising really as he is such a loveable, affectionate dog.

After they'd left he just wanted lots of hugs and tickles on his tummy. We tried out various names to see which one he'd respond to and Leo seemed to do the trick.  Liz gave us his Pet Passport and I was amazed that we share a birthday - 1 August - so Leo really is a very apt name for him.

This is Leo and me:

Leo helping in garden with obligatory sun hat!:

Leo and Kaela:

Leo on safety inspection:

Leo. Not terribly brave or courageous but very loving and trusting and loyal and we love him.

My Birthday

1 August 2007

Sorry, have only just got round to writing this one. Many thanks to all you sent messages, cards and gifts.

Didn't know what to expect weather-wise as it is winter here.  Mark had to be in work for some ridiculous hour that morning (5.30am or something daft) so he rang me about 7am, sang happy birthday and insisted I got up and go into the lounge where there were two huge china pots for the garden, a bottle of vodka and a card with money in.  The card read 'the pots are for the plants, the money is to buy the plants to put in the pots, and the vodka is to cheer you up as it's only 1 year now till you're 40!'.  Nice. 

Kaela and Andrew had been shopping and gave me beautiful cards and an exquisite Greenstone (Jade) necklace of a Maori symbol which means (oops forgot will have to go and get card and see what it said!)

and a box of chocolates which they decided I needed to open before they went to school!

Mark's mum rang and sang happy birthday which was lovely.  They and Mark's sister had sent cheques which was great - more spending power at the garden centre. And I had cards from other family and friends which was lovely.

I had most of the day to myself.  The weather turned to custard and was chilly and drizzly so I thought I'd leave going out till the next day.

When everyone got back from school/work I got more presents, Kaela and Andrew had bought me a lovely jade green top and a black skirt.  They wanted me to wear it out that evening, but to be honest it was a bit chilly for a sleeveless top!

We had tea out that night, my choice, MacDonalds for a Kiwiburger and Hoyts in Westfield Mall to see The Simpson's Movie!  I have very simple taste I know, but it was fun, and the cinema was great, we had to sit second row from the front but it was brill and the seats were so comfortable and wide and it was nice and warm in there. I just had the best birthday.

My family finally caught up with the time difference and a few days later I got a phone call from Mum, followed by a gorgeous boquet of flowers arranged in a basket from a local florist that they had all clubbed together for and arranged (with traditional Metcalfe style I gather ;0) ) over the internet.

Another Embo Production

31 August 2007

Spurred on by his previous successful ventures into the world of carpentry, and all without all loss of digit or the need for blood transfusions I might add, see what my gifted hubby has produced now from the depths of his workshop:

"Wow!" I hear you cry - "a plank?" "Is that it?" Yes, actually and a mighty fine plank it is too. And being environmentally friendly he is only using reclaimed timber. Clever and green (that's a feat in itself!).

Actually, I lied, here's the ones he made earlier all sawn and rounded and sanded and stuck together. The big 'plank' in first photo is for the top.  Did I mention it was an entertainment unit he's building? cos that's what it is. 

Close up of the detail finish.

Individually cut strips for tongue and groove effect backing, painstakingly pinned in place by his own unique hammer style of hit nail, hit thumb, hit nail, hit leg, hit nail.... we call it the 'Homer' technique

Then he carefully put the top on, did loads more sanding, and announced it was ready to be released from the workshop, only the darn thing's too heavy to lift, for me anyway, so we call up a good friend at 8.45pm who's just returned from a stint at The Brew House, known as Thirsty Thursday, namely Shaun, the theory being perhaps he won't notice the intense back pain he'll be suffering due to the quantity of 'anaesthetic' in his blood stream, and get him to help lift it out through the garage door, round the front of the house, and through the front door.  Shaun was rewarded for his kindness with more bottled anaesthetic and many thanks.

Then Mark attempts to apply the stain and varnish....

...and wishes he'd done so BEFORE putting the top on!

Then he made and attached doors

Put it all into place, leaving his statutory trail of mess and debris...

...had a little rest, before finishing it all off, and voila! A beautifully crafted solid reclaimed wood entertainment unit which is unique and made to measure and saved us around $1,500!!!

The finished article (complete with Father's Day cards as we celebrated that on Sunday 2 September):

The colours don't really come out well on my phone camera, but it really is a lovely piece of furniture and he even made the feet the right height so that the bottom ledge would fit snugly over the skirting board.  All the cd's, dvd's and videos are now neatly stored in alphabetical order (thanks to Andrew) and there was even room in the cupboards for the old record player, LPs and 45s.  And I think the whole thing only took a week or just over to do, not bad for a former TV addict!

Oh, and if anyone out there reading this would like something similar made to any of the articles featured in this blog, just give us a pm or email - prices are very reasonable!

A Nice Day Out

Sunday 19 August 2007

Woke up to glorious sunshine, which was good, as we had a whole day out planned. Woke at at 8.30am, the time I'd wanted to leave for our whole day out, which wasn't so good.  But then no-one else was up either and I was too tired last night to make the picnic up so I still had that to do.

Mark didn't get up till about 10am and I still had of housework to do, like making sure all the school clothes and work clothes were washed and dried or drying ready for tomorrow as I wasn't sure what time we'd get back.  We finally left the house at around 11.30am.

We headed north on SH1 and passed the turnings for Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs (good to know where they are as I plan to meet Sarah from Blenheim for lunch one day at Kaikoura - even though its about a 2 hour drive!).  It really was just the most beautiful day and the scenery was awesome. We travelled west on Lewis Pass surrounded by hills and snow capped mountains.    I was amazed that even stream and creek had a name all clearly signed posted, presumably so that if you fell off the edge of the road due to the lack of barriers and long drops you could tell the emergencies services your location by the name of the stream you'd just careered past.

Driving up through the mountains, temperature dropped dramatically, sleety rain, but stunning views. NOTE: the white and red safety sticks.  See? No need for miles and miles of expensive safety barrier. Really simple, this side of stick, you are safe and on the road. Go the other side of the stick and you are not safe and not on the road. Not a lesson you'll be learning twice.

Even the kids occasionally glanced up from their Gameboys to look at the views, muttered 'yeah, awesome' before continue to do battle with daft named Pokemon.

I don't know the name of the river winding through the valley below but it was the most vivid aqua and turqoise water and looked so clean and fresh.  After a discussion about exactly what colour aqua and turqoise were we stopped at a thermal spring/spa hotel. Can't remember the name but needed the toilet so dragged the kids in too - always a useful tool to have a desperate, just-about-to-wet-myself-looking child in tow when its actually me that needs to use the facilities and both children are well rehearsed in covering for me.

We stopped at a picnic area just on from there to eat lunch.  Andrew wasn't feeling well - he never is when its something we want to do! But I guess he was worn out as Friday he'd been skiing all day, Friday night he stayed over a mates house, Saturday morning he had a footie match followed straight after by another mates birthday party of paintballing at Urban Paintball.

The picnic area was at the top of a gorge so we were looking down at the river.  It was very fresh up in the mountains; the temperature had dropped from 12 deg to 6 deg but it was still pleasant.  We insisted Andrew got out of the car as the fresh air would do him some good.  Andrew got back in the car insisting it wouldn't! Like the Sabre Tooth tiger in the Flintstones, he was deposited back outside where he sat on a tree stump shivering (or pretending to) eating his roll and occasionally waving his drink bottle at us in a kind of pleading way with his miserable face on.  Which had no effect.  However, he did actually feel better for having something to eat and the fresh air and we continued our drive climbing up through Lewis Pass.

The plan was to go to Westport, then drive down the West Coast to Greymouth and head back along Arthur's Pass.  But we came through a tiny village and hit a junction giving us the choice of Westport or Greymouth and as it was such a long drive I opted to just head for Greymouth.  There'd be just miles and miles of open countryside and mountains with nothing then you'd drive through a small community of about 4 - 10 homes.  We wondered how the people who lived there did their shopping as it really was miles from anywhere.  And where would you go if you got home from work and realised you'd forgotten to pick up a carton of milk on the way home. That kind of thing.  I like rural, but they were bordering on hermit.

Greymouth was a big disappointment. A bit like Bognor Regis, no offence, but a bit run down and although sheds for houses, much the same looking as any other tired looking, seen better days, UK seaside town.  We drove down to the Tasman Sea anyway, made the kids get out of the car so we could say 'there you go, the Tasman Sea, now you can say you've seen it, been there, walked on its shore', put them back in the car and left.  Driving out of Greymouth was nicer. Not because we were leaving, I mean the area, the look of the houses and that we were heading towards rain forest.

The Tasman Sea, looking back towards Greymouth. Apt name.

Other than exploring this part of NZ and enjoying the breathtaking views there was another reason for us heading west.  We love tree ferns and we'd been told by many locals that you can just go out west and dig a few up.  Tree ferns don't naturally grow over here on the East Coast and there may be a very good reason for that, not as wet, no rain forest, the occasional chill Easterly wind.  Or there might possibly be a sound ecological reason why such plants shouldn't be transplanted from one coast to another. But I figured we really needed to help the plight of these prehistoric species that are mercilessly ploughed into the ground or burnt as the loggers clear the way to get to the good, money making wood. Our plan is to build a colony here so that they can continue to thrive in NZ.   Erm, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Although we'd been told it was ok to do, we weren't sure.  The first few we got were covertly smuggled into the boot of the car.  Mark then stopped at every available picnic area on our way up to Arthur's Pass and by about the 3rd or 4th stop, he'd lost all sense of possible wrong doing and tree ferns were flying out of the forest into the car park.  

You couldn't actually walk too far into the rain forest it was so dense and jungle like and you could easily get quickly lost in there.  What we didn't know until the next day was that there are quite a lot of traps set around there as it is common for cannibis to be grown in the depths of the forest.  Also, we saw possum bait on some of the trees but no traps and no possums.  Apparently the possums do untold damage by eating out the tops of the trees which kills the trees and they do aerial drops of poison as well in an attempt to reduce the possum population.

By the time we were heading home it was getting dark.  Arthur's Pass was just as beautiful as Lewis Pass but there appeared to be major problems with landslips.  Again, not too many barriers to stop you veering off down the sheer drops.  At one point you drive under a rock canopy where the road is actually carved out of the mountain face.  They've also put in a metal shute to allow the waterfall to continue over the road and down the cliff the other side. It was amazing to drive through but I couldn't get a photo of it due to the poor light.

Note: red and white safety stick and my proximity to it. I was not safe taking this photo - see what lengths I'll go to just to get a pic for you guys?!

It seemed to take forever driving back.  Again, a few little villages that looked like goldmining towns (probably were once as there is gold in them there rivers - or at least was at one stage).  Eventually we got to Springfield where they have a giant donut in honour of their namesake and The Simpsons.  Then onto Sheffield where we turned off onto the 73 through Oxford, Cust and home to Rangiora.

It was just a lovely, relaxing day and one of those times when you realise just how much wonderous nature we used to miss out on back in the UK.       

Give Us Our Daily Bread

Well, since the UK money ran out it's been really hard trying to get by.  I have bought all pantry stock items in bulk and have made my third attempt at baking bread - well, rolls this time. But, and be honest, would you be truly thankful for what you were about to eat if it looked like this...

I mean I ask you, what a pile of pants! The recipe said, makes 50 finger rolls... yeah right. Maybe if you had the fingers of a very small midget child and an appetite to match, these might just do the job.

Just look at the size

And that delicate little morsel is supposed to provide a hearty lunch for my out on the building site all day husband and 2 permanently starving kids who just lately appear to be sleeping in gro bags.

It's a little disheartening really.... for that I spent 2 hours making the dough and waiting patiently for it to rise - keeping the heat pump going to provide the heat*.  I kneaded it lovingly (with thoughts of all those in our life who deserve a good slap, in my head), moulded and shaped it and then waited another 1/2 hour for it to prove.

Prove what exactly???????  That I'm crap at baking???????

(*last time I attempted bread making I managed to produce the smallest loaf in the world by keeping the tumble dryer going for about 3 hours and the laundry door shut - it probably cost us $300 in electric, but I think it was worth it as it did taste ok, I think, it was so small there wasn't enough to have another slice to check on that one)

All this time and effort and hope.  As the Kiwis would say 'It's all gone to custard'.  You can just imagine my lot opening their packed lunch boxes tomorrow can't you.  Eager with anticipation to see what tasty feast mum's prepared this time.  Boy are they gona be dissappointed.

And I don't even know why I'm even bothering, these dough disasters as only adding to our debt problem. I could go to Robbie's Bakery and buy a decent loaf for 99 cents!

Mark looked in the oven whilst they were baking. He thought I'd made eclairs (pre-chocolate iced and in a hot oven? I don't know which one of us is more stupid!).

Anyway, it's a challenge now.  I will not be beaten and shall continue to churn out weird and inedible dough creations until I succeed in turning out the perfect daily bread.  And my family shall graciously continue to have their taste buds offended and their bellies half empty until I do.

I have a feeling it's going to be a long haul.

And yes, Mark, I do know you visit the pie shop every work day