Well we could be in Lancashire the way the weather has been this week. Cold winds and heavy showers. Last w/e there was so much rain that the river that flows past the start of Church road ad risen by 6 metres. I did wonder if it would go over the top before I got back from school. Fortunately it did not. In fact the council are pleased that the drains coped with such a lot of rain as they have been removing silt and obstructions over the past year and this was the first dbig test of how well they had done their work.
The dampness took its toll and whilst the rest of the family soldiered on, I took thursday and Friday off work. It was very quiet and restful being at home with just the animals for company all day. I am over the worst of it and hope to get back to things on Monday.
Other news: Eric has started working out 3x a week at a local gym. Chantelle is going as well, so they are spending quite a bit of time inspecting muscles in front of the mirror for early signs of swelling. Myself I don't see what's wrong with taking an axe to the pampas when you want an upper body workout, but I guess it is not the same.
There are some signs of spring in the air. The nights are slowly but surely getting shorter. Being a nerd through and through I have marked the outline of Kaitaia Heights onto our kitchen window and I am marking the position of the setting sun every week. it is good to see it heading back towards Ahipara and getting later by a few minutes each night. Early on in the week I was able to go down to the dam and cut scrub for an hour in the light after work. The chucks have started laying again, production began within 2 days of my increasing their rations and giving them layers mash.
Pictures may follow when I take some.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Its raining
The forecast was for a weekend of rain and so far that is what we have got. Hence the logburner picture.
We have spent the week recovering from journeys. Chantelle was back at school on Monday, but were both under par with a bout of the virus that is doing the rounds.
The sheep is called Independence which is not a very appropriate name for a wether who jumped 2 fences to get back to his girls rather than go off a solo journey back to the farm on which he was born. The 2 most awkward ewes got a week's reprieve because the homekill butcher we were going to use is busy today.
Meanwhile we are feeding increased rations to the hens as we havent had a single egg for a fortnight and no more than 1 a day for the last 4 months. i am starting to wonder if they have either a) all gone on strike b) are not getting enough food or c) are actually all cocks in disguise.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
They are back
Just a quickie to let you all know that Chantelle and Eric are now back at the official residence in cloudy Kaitaia.
The short version is that the plane they were travelling on (Emirates) was steadily delayed as the journey proceeded. They ended up landing in Auckland at 8.30pm on a Saturday night with no flights north until Sunday at 9. So I nipped down to the airport to pick them up.
We got home at 3.30 am. Eric is still sleeping off his jet lag, Chantelle is communicating with her mother by phone, Stuart and Paddy were acommodated at Mike and Rissy's which is where I will be heading shortly.
More later, maybe with some pictures of Blighty ...
The short version is that the plane they were travelling on (Emirates) was steadily delayed as the journey proceeded. They ended up landing in Auckland at 8.30pm on a Saturday night with no flights north until Sunday at 9. So I nipped down to the airport to pick them up.
We got home at 3.30 am. Eric is still sleeping off his jet lag, Chantelle is communicating with her mother by phone, Stuart and Paddy were acommodated at Mike and Rissy's which is where I will be heading shortly.
More later, maybe with some pictures of Blighty ...
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Very ,very hot ,believe it or not!!!
It's been cracking weather over here. My goodness, it's been between 34-36c here. Mind you see people on the beach in the full with nothing more than a small bottle of factor 2 next to them.
All this means that since arriving in blightly ,Eric and myself haven't really slept at all well. Never mind.
Some photo's that follow are of Eric with Great Grandad and Great Grandma. We had a smashing time with both Greats , and hope to able to see them again . GG took us to Southampton to see some sights of the city and them onto a rather nice restaurant next to the yachts. Whilst Eric went with GG to the forest , I went with GGM to Shirley for some girly shopping.
Then off up to Lancashire, first stop , Mike and Joy. Joy is looking really well despite having a broken femur. Mike being well as well.
Then up to Lancaster. Here we bumped into loads of people, and enjoyed many a glass of wine too.
Peterbough was the next stop at Alexes. Here I had a chuckle.
So now i am at Stretham, sweating.
So that's just a potted run through. More to come.
P.S Matty is cute.
Start of Term 3
Back to the routine with a difference of having half of the family not here.
We started off well getting up bright and early and getting to the bus-stop early. It got more and more difficult as the week went on, so it was a relief to get through to this morning's lie in.
The weather has been pretty wet for much of this week, but we were back to strong sun today. There was a chilly wind and Patrick complained of feeling cold as he set off for town wearing nothing but a tee shirt. (Don't worry Chan, he had a coat but hadn't put it on!)
There has not been much earth shattering news. We watched our various vids last night. Stuart enjoyed The Motorcycle Diaries with me picking up on the comic moments if not the subtitles and strong socialist message. I had only seen this film on the plane coming over here so it was good to see it under more comfortable circumstances.
We did the Saturday morning trip into town to get food and fruit and animal feed.
This afternoon one of Paddy's friends from school came overto play with lego. I made them go out for a fresh air braek after an hour and suggested that they feed the animals. I got a funny look when I suggested that they wear gumboots as they trotted off down the hill into the mud and manure wearing no shoes. It is quite a struggle to get Patrick to wear anything on his feet and even though I send him to school wearing a coat and shoes, he rarely comes home wearing either "They are in my bag!"
I made the most of the peace by planting 2 of the apple trees bought in the holiday. Someone suggested that you should dig a $100 hole for a $20 dollar tree. That made sense, looking at how some trees I just bunged in last year are not doing particularly well. We now have well planted Lobo and Ballarat on the hillside next to the dam.
It was great to be able to sit down in the sunshine and enjoy the peace. I remember being on the allotments and never feeling very relaxed about sitting down because of all the other people about.
There have been several wild ducks on the dam this week. 3 male mallard this morning. The harriers seem to be displaying at the moment as well. I saw a pair high up over the Matthews reserve during the week, making big swoops round in the sky and calling to each other. I remember seeing marsh harriers doing a similar display in the UK where they passed food to each other whilst in flight.
I let the chicken run chucks out for some freedom this afternoon. Rocky was first out followed by his six hens. They were reluctant to come out. Rocky was soon up by the goat pen checking out Stony and sh**ing all the hens he has not had access to in the last week. When it came time to get them in we managed to get Rocky and 3 hens back in.
Been having a think about sheep this week and am interested in the wiltshire breed. They shed their fleece in the spring by themselves so do not need to be sheared or dagged. Their feet are better than the Romneys we have got, and they supposedly have 2 lambs each that put on meat quickly. I am looking into places that might be able to sell us a few.
This time next week Chantelle and Eric will be back - yippee. How about sticking up some pictures of Blighty?
We started off well getting up bright and early and getting to the bus-stop early. It got more and more difficult as the week went on, so it was a relief to get through to this morning's lie in.
The weather has been pretty wet for much of this week, but we were back to strong sun today. There was a chilly wind and Patrick complained of feeling cold as he set off for town wearing nothing but a tee shirt. (Don't worry Chan, he had a coat but hadn't put it on!)
There has not been much earth shattering news. We watched our various vids last night. Stuart enjoyed The Motorcycle Diaries with me picking up on the comic moments if not the subtitles and strong socialist message. I had only seen this film on the plane coming over here so it was good to see it under more comfortable circumstances.
We did the Saturday morning trip into town to get food and fruit and animal feed.
This afternoon one of Paddy's friends from school came overto play with lego. I made them go out for a fresh air braek after an hour and suggested that they feed the animals. I got a funny look when I suggested that they wear gumboots as they trotted off down the hill into the mud and manure wearing no shoes. It is quite a struggle to get Patrick to wear anything on his feet and even though I send him to school wearing a coat and shoes, he rarely comes home wearing either "They are in my bag!"
I made the most of the peace by planting 2 of the apple trees bought in the holiday. Someone suggested that you should dig a $100 hole for a $20 dollar tree. That made sense, looking at how some trees I just bunged in last year are not doing particularly well. We now have well planted Lobo and Ballarat on the hillside next to the dam.
It was great to be able to sit down in the sunshine and enjoy the peace. I remember being on the allotments and never feeling very relaxed about sitting down because of all the other people about.
There have been several wild ducks on the dam this week. 3 male mallard this morning. The harriers seem to be displaying at the moment as well. I saw a pair high up over the Matthews reserve during the week, making big swoops round in the sky and calling to each other. I remember seeing marsh harriers doing a similar display in the UK where they passed food to each other whilst in flight.
I let the chicken run chucks out for some freedom this afternoon. Rocky was first out followed by his six hens. They were reluctant to come out. Rocky was soon up by the goat pen checking out Stony and sh**ing all the hens he has not had access to in the last week. When it came time to get them in we managed to get Rocky and 3 hens back in.
Been having a think about sheep this week and am interested in the wiltshire breed. They shed their fleece in the spring by themselves so do not need to be sheared or dagged. Their feet are better than the Romneys we have got, and they supposedly have 2 lambs each that put on meat quickly. I am looking into places that might be able to sell us a few.
This time next week Chantelle and Eric will be back - yippee. How about sticking up some pictures of Blighty?
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Pirates
Paddy did this pic of a pirate using Tux paint.
We were supposed to be having a day out 1:1 father son bonding sort of day, but it has not gone too well. It was rainy and cold so we decided to go to the pictures at the Swamp Palace rather than drive for several hours down to see Tane Mahuta. We were late setting off because someone could not find any shoes to wear, then when we arrived the place was sold-out. Paddy has told me that he hates me at regular intervals and that he would like another dad! My main crime has been to say that he cannot have $60 from his savings to buy (another) Lego set. This after he has spent $50 of bithday money in a fortnight. We have come to a truce whereby he saves $30 of pocket money and then matches it with his savings.
Stuart come back tomorrow from his camp.
Eric and Chan have just phoned and are off to the Titanic museum with (great) Granddad Ronald this morning
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Back at the ranch
Meanwhile back at the ranch, Mike and paddy soldier on keeping the home fires burning. We have just stacked a ute load of firewood to keep said fires burning. Its pretty cold at times and having a warm house helps to dry the mound of washing.
This is an abbreviated version of the post I wrote this morning that was several paragraphs long, full of witty comments about the soap opera that is our life - who needs to watch corrie?
Anyway I was about to add a picture and publish my offering to the world when the screen went blank and the music stopped and the fridge stopped. For those people looking for a downside to this idyllic life that we are leading - one of those is the power-cuts that we suffer here in Northland. NZ is struggling to generate enough electricity to meet peak demand and most generation happens south of Auckland. Up here we are the first to lose power. A few weeks there was a major cut that lasted for several hours. The kids were sent home from rural primary schools as the sewage and heating all need electric. Auckland came to a stand-still. It was all caused by a rusted piece of metal at a sub-station apparently. Gave us a wake-up call about the need to be able to cope on our own. Mind you we all moaned up here where it is quite mild even in the depths of winter. There were farmers down in South Island who were cut off for 2 weeks by a heavy snowstorm that brought down their lines.
Anyway the blog entry disappeared into he ether and this is the replacement.
The picture shows the new chicken run that houses Rocky and 6 wives, it is an artistic representation of reality. Chantelle has the camera in the uk, so I shall be illustrating my blog entries in alternative ways!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
We are here!!
Despite getting very little sleep on the plane from Auckland via Melbourne to Dubai curtoursy of the little lad in front of us screaming for 12 of the 14 hour- we are both feeling rather chipper.
We were greeted at gatwick buy mum and dad / grandma and grandad, then on arrival to Ely ,we had a quick bath and then to nick and Karla's for a barbie. Very enjoyable , made even more funny by my jetlagged state of mund that made me feel rather spaced out and feeling that i had earlier taken some drugs of some sort- which i certainally did not.
During our stop in Dubai ,Eric and myself had a shower, and we paid 88 whatever it was, and i have no idea of the exchange rate ,but as Eric said , "I feel so much better now", so it was worth every bit of dubai currentcy.
The second leg , which was 7 and a half hours was so much better , i could even cross my legs on this plane, and i think just for being half the flight time of the first.
Anyway , E and I have just returned from Ely ,with trips to boots and Wilko's.
Off to Southapton tommorrow ,so shall post on our return.
Photo's of Our arrival and the airbus and 777 we travelled on.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Look out England, 2/5ths of them are coming back!!
Yes! As we speak/write/read Chantelle and Eric are winging their way across the planet back to the UK. We went down en masse to see them off at the airport and to have a mini-break in Auckland as well.
We stayed at Waiwera on Friday and Saturday night in a tiny cabin right on the shore. It was pretty much the cheapest place that Chantelle could find, but was quite adequate for our needs: a bed each, a light and a couple of electric sockets to plug a jug and a lappie into. Toilets a stones throw away and a kitchen to cook a meal in. Lovely view out into the Hibiscus coast and only half an hour into Auckland.
We all trotted off to MOTAT on Saturday. A quaint NZ style museum full of intersting pieces, but also som good hands-on interactive stuff for the boys. The pull was the robot activities which sounded pretty good, design your own and program bots. The reality was not as impressive, but well organised by friendly staff. The boys and C all enjoyed a tour of the tactile dome. I stayed out to look after the passports and air-tickets. It was some sort of adventure circuit all done in the dark and judging by the great grins on everyones' faces as they left, it must have been fun.
Eric was getting increasingly twitchy by this point even though it was T-5 hours, so we meandered our way to the airport. Said our goodbyes and tried to find the motorway back to Waiwera.
Paddy was oblivious to the fact that Mum and Eric were't there as he had picked up a fantastic Pirate Lego boat using the remains of his birthday money. He spent most of the next 24 hours building it, keeping us informed of his progress and only requesting help for the really tricky bits. It has now been demolished in a fit of pique after it got slightly damaged on the way back from Mike and Rissy's.
Stuart was in floods of tears 5 minutes after leaving the airport. He is apparently not going to smile for the next 3 weeks until they return.
We went to the flash Waiwera infinity Hot pools to take our mind off things/ have fun/ have a bath. At $30 for 1 adult and 2 kids after a discount, I don't think we'll be going there every week, but it was hot, there were lots of different pools and the boys enjoyed it.
Had a good trip back up north this morning stopping off at Koanga Gardens on the way. Just like so many places in the UK, but perhaps less aloof and more friendly. I could have spent a fortune on seeds, books, tools etc, but confined myself to a few packets of heirloom seeds including Ponsonby Red tomatoes and Black popcorn. Look out for the harvest pictures in 9 months time.
The house was still here when we got home ( a relief), with no obvious signs of cat diarrhoea (an even greater relief). Still no lambs and I am resigning myself to a lambless spring and a need to be better organised next year.
Stuart is away on his camp tomorrow and then it will just be Paddy and myself keeping the place ticking over.
We stayed at Waiwera on Friday and Saturday night in a tiny cabin right on the shore. It was pretty much the cheapest place that Chantelle could find, but was quite adequate for our needs: a bed each, a light and a couple of electric sockets to plug a jug and a lappie into. Toilets a stones throw away and a kitchen to cook a meal in. Lovely view out into the Hibiscus coast and only half an hour into Auckland.
We all trotted off to MOTAT on Saturday. A quaint NZ style museum full of intersting pieces, but also som good hands-on interactive stuff for the boys. The pull was the robot activities which sounded pretty good, design your own and program bots. The reality was not as impressive, but well organised by friendly staff. The boys and C all enjoyed a tour of the tactile dome. I stayed out to look after the passports and air-tickets. It was some sort of adventure circuit all done in the dark and judging by the great grins on everyones' faces as they left, it must have been fun.
Eric was getting increasingly twitchy by this point even though it was T-5 hours, so we meandered our way to the airport. Said our goodbyes and tried to find the motorway back to Waiwera.
Paddy was oblivious to the fact that Mum and Eric were't there as he had picked up a fantastic Pirate Lego boat using the remains of his birthday money. He spent most of the next 24 hours building it, keeping us informed of his progress and only requesting help for the really tricky bits. It has now been demolished in a fit of pique after it got slightly damaged on the way back from Mike and Rissy's.
Stuart was in floods of tears 5 minutes after leaving the airport. He is apparently not going to smile for the next 3 weeks until they return.
We went to the flash Waiwera infinity Hot pools to take our mind off things/ have fun/ have a bath. At $30 for 1 adult and 2 kids after a discount, I don't think we'll be going there every week, but it was hot, there were lots of different pools and the boys enjoyed it.
Had a good trip back up north this morning stopping off at Koanga Gardens on the way. Just like so many places in the UK, but perhaps less aloof and more friendly. I could have spent a fortune on seeds, books, tools etc, but confined myself to a few packets of heirloom seeds including Ponsonby Red tomatoes and Black popcorn. Look out for the harvest pictures in 9 months time.
The house was still here when we got home ( a relief), with no obvious signs of cat diarrhoea (an even greater relief). Still no lambs and I am resigning myself to a lambless spring and a need to be better organised next year.
Stuart is away on his camp tomorrow and then it will just be Paddy and myself keeping the place ticking over.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Are these ewes pregnant?
We rounded up 4 of our 5 ewes yesterday and checked their undercarriages for signs of pregnancy. They had been together with a ram up until February 12th and one of them was brought to us apparently pregnant. Those people reading this please advise us if these look like the teats of pregnant ewes or are we hoping for the impossible?
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Watch a video
We have been enjoying the website www.youtube.com where you can watch all manner of videos that people have made. There are lots of music videos of bands ranging from the Beatles to the latest hits. We have even made our own for your "enjoyment". Thursday is TV free day in our house so today we made our own tv.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7dyfILwn2c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7dyfILwn2c
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Sponge-bob Patrick and muddy fields
Well it was a close run contest but after 24 hours the votes have been counted, the pictures taken and here are the results. With one vote each, we have spong-bob Patrick surrounded by Lego and "pregnant" sheep surrounded by muddy fields.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
In the bleak mid-winter
The shortest day has passed in a howling gale of cold southerlies, with chilly showers. The ground is sodden after weeks of regular heavy showers. BRRRR!! it's cold.
We are all in various stages of illness. The bug going round makes you shiver and ache and gives you a nasty head and ear-ache.
To lift the spirits, 3 of us went to a Christmas Party at the College last night, complete with tree. decorations and Santa.
Paddy was seven on Tuesday and had a small party last Saturday. He asked for a Subway for his birthday tea, and was very happy with Sponge-bob and Pirate lego presents.
Still no lambs! Are these ewes actually pregnant? Having said all that, the lambs are probably better off inside their mums than out in the wet and cold.
My head is banging every time the boys talk at the moment, so I am going to tactically retreat from the computer to my sanctuary, with a hot Lemsip. Pictures may follow, put in your votes now:
Do you want pictures of:
a) Patrick in his Sponge-bob cape
b) a muddy field
c) dying duckling sat in box by fire with suspected cancer, stroke etc.
d) other - specify
Vote now and the winning option will be posted.
(Competition outcome subject to suitability of picture requested!)
We are all in various stages of illness. The bug going round makes you shiver and ache and gives you a nasty head and ear-ache.
To lift the spirits, 3 of us went to a Christmas Party at the College last night, complete with tree. decorations and Santa.
Paddy was seven on Tuesday and had a small party last Saturday. He asked for a Subway for his birthday tea, and was very happy with Sponge-bob and Pirate lego presents.
Still no lambs! Are these ewes actually pregnant? Having said all that, the lambs are probably better off inside their mums than out in the wet and cold.
My head is banging every time the boys talk at the moment, so I am going to tactically retreat from the computer to my sanctuary, with a hot Lemsip. Pictures may follow, put in your votes now:
Do you want pictures of:
a) Patrick in his Sponge-bob cape
b) a muddy field
c) dying duckling sat in box by fire with suspected cancer, stroke etc.
d) other - specify
Vote now and the winning option will be posted.
(Competition outcome subject to suitability of picture requested!)
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Weekend before Winter Solstice
Howsit Folks!
Another Friday and in another week we will be heading back towards Spring and warmth and light. It has been wet again with a hailstorm and thunder and lightning here tonight. At the same time the top temp in the country was 18C here in Kaitaia. There seems to be a greater extreme of temperature here.
It has been a quiet week, it feels like time to hibernate until the days get longer. We are all finding it a bit tricky to get out of bed in the mornings, even Eric who sets his alarm at 5.30 am!
Farm news: one of the hens has started laying again down the bottom. That is welcome news as even Mrs Chicken has gone off lay. We are hatching plans to confine the chucks into a number of pens as they are all congregating in the garden, roosting in the wood shed and crapping all over the wood. I am getting a bucket of chicken sh*t every week to put on the veggie garden, so I shouldn't complain. We managed to vaccinate all the ewes with 5 in 1 vaccine last Saturday. This should protect them and all their lambs (if they ever pop!) against a whole host of nasty diseases. Apparently without this vaccination, one can lose an entire crop of lambs to diseases with strange names like "pulpy kidney".
England have got through to the second round of the World Cup! An audience watched the first game here last Sunday morning at 1am. Eric watched it all along with mum. Stuart and Patrick were woken up but were snoring after 10 minutes. Dad could not be roused! Chantelle got up this morning at 4am to watch us beat T&T by 2 goals to nil. It is a bit weird to be supporting from so far away.
Pictures will follow tomorrow hopefully. That is when I have taken some suitable ones.
Another Friday and in another week we will be heading back towards Spring and warmth and light. It has been wet again with a hailstorm and thunder and lightning here tonight. At the same time the top temp in the country was 18C here in Kaitaia. There seems to be a greater extreme of temperature here.
It has been a quiet week, it feels like time to hibernate until the days get longer. We are all finding it a bit tricky to get out of bed in the mornings, even Eric who sets his alarm at 5.30 am!
Farm news: one of the hens has started laying again down the bottom. That is welcome news as even Mrs Chicken has gone off lay. We are hatching plans to confine the chucks into a number of pens as they are all congregating in the garden, roosting in the wood shed and crapping all over the wood. I am getting a bucket of chicken sh*t every week to put on the veggie garden, so I shouldn't complain. We managed to vaccinate all the ewes with 5 in 1 vaccine last Saturday. This should protect them and all their lambs (if they ever pop!) against a whole host of nasty diseases. Apparently without this vaccination, one can lose an entire crop of lambs to diseases with strange names like "pulpy kidney".
England have got through to the second round of the World Cup! An audience watched the first game here last Sunday morning at 1am. Eric watched it all along with mum. Stuart and Patrick were woken up but were snoring after 10 minutes. Dad could not be roused! Chantelle got up this morning at 4am to watch us beat T&T by 2 goals to nil. It is a bit weird to be supporting from so far away.
Pictures will follow tomorrow hopefully. That is when I have taken some suitable ones.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
England v Paraguay
Been a funny w/e so far.
Watched Germany v Costa Rica at 4 am this morning, then went to look for Matariki (Pleidaes) in the pre-dawn sky.
The kids are all asleep now at 9pm (or are supposed to be) and will be awoken at 1am to watch England play Paraguay.
More later ...
I wrote a huge post a few hours ago and the computer froze so I lost it all.
It was better than this post ... honestly it was.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Fishing Story
We have good weather this week, despite the forecast telling us we would have showers, I don't think we have had any at all. Lots of clear crisp days with good views of the distant hills to taunt me as I go to work each day.
Last Saturday was shaping up to be a fine day after a lot of rain in the week. I did not go to town as I normally do but opted to stay at home and do the cleaning. I received an invitation to go fishing with Pat at Scot's Point that was too good to refuse. He has told me about this mythical place where you climb down a cliff and catch huge fish.
It is at the top end of 90 mile beach and was reached by driving down Te Paki stream onto the beach. We walked round the sand and cliffs most of the way because the tide was out when we arrived. It was still a tricky walk, carrying all the gear, including a big sack of ice. My legs were wobbly by the time we arrived. It was encouraging to see another group on the way who had caught a 4 foot kingfish.
Our spot was on a narrow shelf at the mouth of a smallish bay. Big waves going past as the tide came in. A steep cliff behind. We got the burley bomb out ( groundbait of minced up fish) and I was instructed to chuck in pichard heads. Soon we could see large fish swirling through the water to snatch the offerings. What a sense of anticipation! Pat has the best tackle and I picked up some good hints on how to thread a pichard on to maximum effect. Pat had caught a trevally before I had even cast in. As is the custom in these parts the first fish went back in to Tangaroa (the god of the sea). It was not difficult to get bites, the trick was getting the fish in. trevally are reckoned to be the best fighting fish pound for pound. They don't want to be caught and will head off into the weeds, or round the corner to try and throw out the hook. It was an effort to bring in each one. I caught 3 ood sized ones and Pat got 4. The odd kahawai that we got seemed like tiddlers in comparison and they were not that small.
We called it a day when we reckoned we could carry out no more and started the walk back going straight up the cliff this time. It was a feww 100m vertical climb carrying all the gear plus all the fish. Lots of stops for breathers. It was a relief to get onto the main path at the top of the cliffs and to get back to the car.
My eggs ached hard the next day, but it was a good ache. The sort of ache that reminds you of a good experience. We distributed our catch amongst friends and had a lovely fish soup for Sunday tea.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
It's Raining Again
Quiet times here in Kaitaia, with a week of work and rain. There was a brief lull in the generally dull winter weather last Saturday when we had a beautiful sunny morning. I like to get up later on a Saturday and meander down to have a look round the place without the weekday urgency to get animals fed before I speed off to work. Most days during the week, it is going dark by the time I get home so Eric has a cntract to do the afternoon round, in exchange for me doing his washing ups.
So last Saturday I was getting stuck into the gorse down by the pond, cutting back into it where the duck had her nest. I had the cunning idea of piling all the cuttings up into a fence that will direct the sheep towards their race. Eric and Stuart joined me and helped for a bit as their Saturday job.
Chantelle and I attended the NZ debut of a locally made film called "Swan Song". It has done well at some german festivals but I didn't reckon much to it I have to say. A bit awkward as the screening was put on by the director and the 2 main characters were present. Fortunately it was followed by "Woodenhead" a 90 minute film by Florian Habicht, the same guy who made "Kaikohe Demolition" , which has to be one of my favourite NZ films. I was a little dubious about Woodenhead as the trailers I had seen for it were not that enticing. It was a jewel of a piece, surreal without being unintelligible, witty in places, edgy, visually brilliant using Northland scenery.
Altogether a good night out and hopefully there will be other screenings at the Little Theatre.
Family news: Stuart is learning lines for his play, he is Evilus Ploticus in and adaptation of Julius Caesar. Patrick has been making fungus plates with his Horrible Science kit. Eric went to see Mike despatch Elvis their pig and was full of the details for days afterwards.
Local news: New Zealand soldiers have been sent to peace keep in East Timor; The street repairs continue on Commerce Street.
Farm news: Still no sign of any lambs, probably a good thing as the weather is so wet. We ate Mrs Rocky for Sunday lunch and very tasty she was too. The goat has bad feet again - but that is normal really.
So last Saturday I was getting stuck into the gorse down by the pond, cutting back into it where the duck had her nest. I had the cunning idea of piling all the cuttings up into a fence that will direct the sheep towards their race. Eric and Stuart joined me and helped for a bit as their Saturday job.
Chantelle and I attended the NZ debut of a locally made film called "Swan Song". It has done well at some german festivals but I didn't reckon much to it I have to say. A bit awkward as the screening was put on by the director and the 2 main characters were present. Fortunately it was followed by "Woodenhead" a 90 minute film by Florian Habicht, the same guy who made "Kaikohe Demolition" , which has to be one of my favourite NZ films. I was a little dubious about Woodenhead as the trailers I had seen for it were not that enticing. It was a jewel of a piece, surreal without being unintelligible, witty in places, edgy, visually brilliant using Northland scenery.
Altogether a good night out and hopefully there will be other screenings at the Little Theatre.
Family news: Stuart is learning lines for his play, he is Evilus Ploticus in and adaptation of Julius Caesar. Patrick has been making fungus plates with his Horrible Science kit. Eric went to see Mike despatch Elvis their pig and was full of the details for days afterwards.
Local news: New Zealand soldiers have been sent to peace keep in East Timor; The street repairs continue on Commerce Street.
Farm news: Still no sign of any lambs, probably a good thing as the weather is so wet. We ate Mrs Rocky for Sunday lunch and very tasty she was too. The goat has bad feet again - but that is normal really.
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