Bangkok

Had a great flight from Auckland.  All enjoyed it..  Great meals & personal video.  Arrived about 8.30pm, so that was bettter than previous trips.  First problem was that we didn't have late checkout according to the desk staff here.  Sleepless night after that, & during that time discovered that I couldn't send txts.  Bloody hell! late checkout has been sorted, but in the meantime am using Dave's phone for txts.  We're heading off to the Rice Barge Tour soon - that is if the rest of the gang get back from their little tour before then.  Marg's neice, who lives here, met us at hotel for breakfast, & she has taken them to the markets.More later.

Greece 2008

Well I'm almost ready for the big day tomorrow. Feel quite chuffed that I've managed to icheck all of us in,apart from Marg, for the flight from Auckland to Bangkok tomorrow. Marg has booked an around the world ticket through another travel agent. Won't be any problem, apart from her hoping to be seated near us. I was hoping to get more chores done around the house, but Bunny's cool about it, so I might just relax a bit for the rest of the day. Was hoping to post a pic here, but it's not working. Might try later.

Testing for On the Road

If this gets through I’ll be able to update blog via my email.

 

 

 

Farewells & Reunions

Last weekend we drove to Feilding to be with Tawhai while he was welcomed to his new school Hato Paora. He will spend his last college year there thanks to his rugby scholarship.
It was a great day, but a bit sad for Kerry & Hira, to have him so far away. Tawhai seemed pretty relaxed about it all, & got stuck in & helped out right away.
We missed out on Sam's last party which was held on the same weekend, but we had a meal with him & family the night before he left for Invercargil. Now that is a long way from here - in the deep south. A bonus for him was having his cousin Maya turning up on the night - all the way from London. Together with her boyfriend Chris-also living in London, & her father Adrian, they made Sam's last night at home a special one. Also nice to have a photo of the two cousins - Maya & Lucy

Tis the Season of the Family

Well Christmas & New Year have been and gone, & now it's relax mode for me. Reading, walking & swimming in the warm sea. It's been great to enjoy the good old Kiwi summer at last. We've been able to spend a little time with some of our family. Kerry, Hira & Tawhai stopped over on their way to Papamoa, & then on their way back home. Janine & Phillip stayed over twice. Janine tested our new tent, & Phil stayed with the Neighbours, where they were able to play a decent game of cricket on their new front yard. The highlight of the season was the arrival of our second great grandchild, Maia Anahera, on New Year's Eve. More summer pics on Picasa

Meeting No 1 Greatgrandson

As a bonus to a great night out we were able to meet up with Kerry's grandson Taylor on the Sunday morning. It was lovely to meet his Mum, & to get to know Taylor a little over coffee on the terrace of the posh hotel. He is really an interesting boy with a great knowledge of Ancient Egypt & Greece. I told him that I would bring back a Greek book for him when I go back next year.

Emma's 21st Weekend

After 2 months of silence I thought I'd better return to cyberspace. After all the occasion of our granddaughter Emma's 21st demanded I do so. We traveled over to Hamilton last weekend to celebrate her day with Janine & Kerry. Kerry & Janine were staying in a luxury hotel by the river, while Bunny & I were at a budget motel not too far away. The only other time we've stayed in a motel in Hamilton was when Maurie graduated from Uni about 30 years ago, & what do you know, it was the same one! However, Hamilton today is totally different from those staid old days. It now has a pretty lively night life, & we had our little rave up at the Monkey Feather, where Emma works part time. All of us enjoyed ourselves, & thanks to my Crete nights out, I could handle a bit of techno with Janine. Bunny & Kerry preferred the Pool table. More pics on Picasa.