Humble Beginnings

While we were in the Manawatu region this week, Bunny decided to check out the house he was living in when he first started school at Manchester Street School in Feilding. Also we were keen to visit a friend who had moved to Feilding a few years ago. After a few twists & turns we eventually arrived in Feilding & found Trixie's house. Lovely to see her again & to catch up with all her news. After a cuppa & lovely morning tea of fresh blueberry scones, we set off in search of the house. We were getting ready to photograph it when a friendly postie asked if we wanted directions etc. The house looks in good condition. Stickers on the letterbox etc indicate that it is dedicated to a higher being, maybe that's the reason for its good looks. The next stop was Ohingaiti, where we just had to stop & check out the one-time railway house where Bunny was born. Looks as if this one could do with a bit of help from on high. One more stop before getting Janine back to Taupo for Philip's mini report session at Rotorua. Kerry had got a good pic of the lahar from out of the car window on the way down, so we thought we would see if we could some pics. The weather had closed in, but I did get a couple of shots from a layby stop. The second one shows the path of the lahar from part way up the mountain. Can only see it in the middle of the picture when enlarged on the Picasa site.

Janine's Graduation

Bunny, Kerry & I headed off to Taupo after I had finished work on Monday. The lead up had been a bit stressful for me after receiving a letter from the Passports Office to say that they were unhappy with the photos that I had sent them. I wasn't too keen on them either, but apparently it was the quality of the image that was unsatisfactory not the subject. I was expecting my new passport to arrive about this time, so to have it delayed for another 10 days or so, just got me all het up. However, once we were on our way, it was good to enjoy the trip. The weather was great, & when we arrived at Janine's place we went into town to have a birthday dinner for Kerry. We had lots of laughs & ate far too much. The next morning we set off just after 7.00am for Palmy, where Janine would be graduating from Unicol later in the day. It was good to be travelling through a different part of the country again. After arriving in Palmy Janine registered while waiting for her friend to bring her gown & sash. Then it was off to the Regent Theatre for the graduation ceremony, & hopefully find Patricia. We did find her, & it was nice that she could be there with us for the occasion. It was an emotional time when Janine had to go on stage. Kerry was our cheer leader, & I was the photographer. All that emotion produced a great blur of light. Thank goodness for the professional guy on stage. After the ceremony we joined in the procession as it headed along the streets back to Unicol. We were able to meet more of Janine's class mates there, while enjoying the refreshments provided. After saying goodbye to Patricia we headed off in the direction of our motel. We eventually found it, but had only a short time to relax before meeting up with Janine's mates at a popular cafe for even more food. Great company & great food. It was a perfect end to a great day. After 10 years of struggle Janine had graduated in Diploma in Counselling - Level 6. Congratulations Janine! More pics on Picasa

Kerry's Big Birthday

I've been 6 weeks on the new work regime now, & I'm still learning new stuff. It's been interesting, but I'm happy that the term ends in 2 1/2 weeks. Wednesday 21st is our eldest daughter's birthday. Happy Birthday Kerry. You are an inspiration. We'll celebrate with Janine next week. Spare a thought for the old folks please, when you start feeling your age. I've had to create this entry ahead of the 21st, because my computer will be out of action for a couple of days.

Bunny's 75th

Wintery weather arrived on Wednesday for Bunny's birthday, but we were able to dodge the squalls & arrive at the Masonic safe & dry. Although the Tirohanga Whanau was one short, we had a lovely meal & a fun time. Earlier Kerry & Janine had contacted Bunny with birthday wishes. More pics via Picasa link.

A Day in The Redwoods

We drove over to Taupo on Saturday & stayed the night with Janine. Set off early this morning for Rotorua, so Bunny & Janine could do the Half Marathon in the Redwood Forest. While they were slogging it out up & down the hilly tracks I had a leisurely walk in the forest. Awesome scenery. I will have more photos uploaded shortly.
The weather was perfect for the competitors, & like most of the others, Janine & Bunny gave it 100%. This pic shows the result of Janine's 100%. After having her blister checked out at the pharmacy, we checked out Phillip's room at Tai Mitchell House, as well as some of the other facilities at Rotorual Boys' High. He wasn't worried about going any further than Woolworths Supermarket, where we set him up with some munchies. He's always had a good appetite! It was good to see him looking happy & settled.

Halfway there

We'll be on the second half of the term next week. I won't be the only one who's looking forward to the holidays, although the time has gone pretty fast really. We recently had our athletic sports competition at school, & we were lucky that the sunny weather we've been having over the last few weeks held out. Although I was working when the athletics were on, I was able to see the Haka competition, which was awesome as usual. Although Rutherford weren't successful at the Haka, they did win the overall sports points for the day. A great effort. Lucy took part in just about everything & did a couple of good times in the long distance events. Over the last couple of weeks there has been a lot of shaking goin on on our road. At last our road is in the process of being sealed. We expected it to be done by now, but hopefully we won't have to wait too long. I'm not too keen on the arrangement around our entranceway & the next door section though. We'll just have to take extra care there.
We were pleased to hear that Tawhai acheived fantastic results at his sports events in Ruatoria, winning the discus, long jump, high jump, second in 100, & third in shotput.
This weekend we'll be able to catch up with Phil in Rotorua, where it appears he is loving it all there.