while on this trip a thought I ponder
how many ways to pass time, I wonder
as we all homeward head
to spend our time before to bed
there is the laptop brigade
banging away at emails and documents
their day filled in their career’s pursuit
meeting those deadlines, imposed or accepted
there are the technology junkies
eyes glued, watching a movie
ears wired, taking in a tune
leaving behind those stresses and strains
the newspaper brigade
hidden from view their attentions engrossed
taking in the news of the day
sculpted in the opinions of a few
there are those that just sit
stare blankly at this and at that
disinterested or drained
from a tough day at that
some do crotchet or needlepoint
some do the puzzles
some page a magazine or absorb a story
and others might say a little
but my favourite of all
is to try a bit of each
and when that’s not enough
simply shut down and zizz!
I do so love this game, too...
SWEDISH FAN
PORTUGESE FAN
AT LEAST SHE DRINKS BEER
BRAZIL
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
DUTCH FAN
ITALIAN FAN
POLISH FAN
PARAGUAY FAN
AND......................................................
ENGLISH FAN
PORTUGESE FAN
AT LEAST SHE DRINKS BEER
BRAZIL
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
DUTCH FAN
ITALIAN FAN
POLISH FAN
PARAGUAY FAN
AND......................................................
ENGLISH FAN
Sherrie's mid term results
Another indication the kids are settling in well!
And less reason for me to be worried about the boys and resulting social life......
WELL DONE SHERRIE!!!
And less reason for me to be worried about the boys and resulting social life......
WELL DONE SHERRIE!!!
YES! I love my rugby.......
So Kapiti College Boys Rugby, under 65kg, made their debut in Division 1 this past weekend. The first ever under 65kg side to play in the top division in the history of the College. No mean feat and from the exuberance with which they “geed” each other up meant that the tension was palpable. Yip, they were now in the big leagues and what better way to test their standing in this company than tackling the elite, Wellington College 1.
Unbeaten this season in Division 1, having conceded no more than 10 odd points and scoring no less than 30 odd in any game to date. The pace setters. This was going to be akin to a small Cape Town school, say a school like Pinelands High, moving up mid-season to tackle Paarl Gym.
Half-time had parents making comments like, “Travis is playing Wellington on his own” and “Travis is keeping the boys in the game”
Imagine my pride! In an inspired tactical move during Thursday’s training, the coach switched Travis to the 15 jumper. He was really excited at the prospect and has been eyeing the position since he opted to play rugby this season. It meant that he could get involved in the teams attacks far more than from the wing and make use of his safe hands under the high or bouncing ball.
His positional play was particularly good and punished Wellington on at least 4 occasions, running the ball back incredibly aggressively, securing possession and setting up the second phase.
He was singled out by the Captain of the Wellington team after the game and congratulated on his performance. He was a pleasure to watch, excited the Kapiti supporters and had the Wellington clan swallowing hard each time he was put in possession. Two good busts through the centre from set phase rounded off the performance.
As for the team? Passion and commitment carried them for 70 minute before the well drilled Wellington started to turn their second half domination of possession into points. At 19-5 with 5 minutes to go the result was a fair reflection of the game, but a soft try, in the last minute spoilt the achievement of Kapiti in this encounter.
Two tight heads late in the game tells a story, but the lessons, if they have been learned, will stand them in good stead for the coming encounters in the top flight. This team will win a few! And there is a sense that the team are already making the improvements required to shake up this competition. I quietly hope that the coaches will now instruct the fly half to bring Travis into the game from fullback. Put him into the inside channel at pace, allowing him to run hard at the opposition half back and fly half.
So, nuff said bout dat! On the soccer field, my team remains unbeaten with a 5-1 win and Desiree’s side went down 4-1 on Sunday. The ladies are improving week-on-week and there is a camaraderie starting to develop in the squad, the starting line up is a little more settled and positional play and structure are developing. Des is now starting every game and has not been substituted in 3 games, so you can imagine the aches and pains on Monday morning! Though I should watch what I say, as my back has been sore for about three weeks now, but I will not take a break! So nuff said bout dat, too!
It is really cold today, the Southerly his howling off of snow somewhere and gloves and beanies are the order of the day. Forecast shows this will last a couple more days, so all strength to us! Brrrrrrr!
The children are all fine and Meghan is really enjoying her new role as horse minder / keeper / owner. She dutifully goes about her chores with Melba without a hint of the Meghan attitude, though she has lost none of that dry sense of humour, in fact, I believe she is honing it and developing the confidence to share it, or should I say use it!? Probably use it, as it is I who tends to be impaled on the harpoon of her wit most often.
I have been promising myself to jot down these gems, so hopefully in the next letter………..
Time runs out, again, as we approach Paraparaumu station and another day is almost done. Just the five minute bus trip home and it is family update time, dodging Meghan’s quips and savouring Desiree’s cooking……….. slobber, slobber…….. and the mandatory world cup soccer highlights at 8:30PM.
Unbeaten this season in Division 1, having conceded no more than 10 odd points and scoring no less than 30 odd in any game to date. The pace setters. This was going to be akin to a small Cape Town school, say a school like Pinelands High, moving up mid-season to tackle Paarl Gym.
Half-time had parents making comments like, “Travis is playing Wellington on his own” and “Travis is keeping the boys in the game”
Imagine my pride! In an inspired tactical move during Thursday’s training, the coach switched Travis to the 15 jumper. He was really excited at the prospect and has been eyeing the position since he opted to play rugby this season. It meant that he could get involved in the teams attacks far more than from the wing and make use of his safe hands under the high or bouncing ball.
His positional play was particularly good and punished Wellington on at least 4 occasions, running the ball back incredibly aggressively, securing possession and setting up the second phase.
He was singled out by the Captain of the Wellington team after the game and congratulated on his performance. He was a pleasure to watch, excited the Kapiti supporters and had the Wellington clan swallowing hard each time he was put in possession. Two good busts through the centre from set phase rounded off the performance.
As for the team? Passion and commitment carried them for 70 minute before the well drilled Wellington started to turn their second half domination of possession into points. At 19-5 with 5 minutes to go the result was a fair reflection of the game, but a soft try, in the last minute spoilt the achievement of Kapiti in this encounter.
Two tight heads late in the game tells a story, but the lessons, if they have been learned, will stand them in good stead for the coming encounters in the top flight. This team will win a few! And there is a sense that the team are already making the improvements required to shake up this competition. I quietly hope that the coaches will now instruct the fly half to bring Travis into the game from fullback. Put him into the inside channel at pace, allowing him to run hard at the opposition half back and fly half.
So, nuff said bout dat! On the soccer field, my team remains unbeaten with a 5-1 win and Desiree’s side went down 4-1 on Sunday. The ladies are improving week-on-week and there is a camaraderie starting to develop in the squad, the starting line up is a little more settled and positional play and structure are developing. Des is now starting every game and has not been substituted in 3 games, so you can imagine the aches and pains on Monday morning! Though I should watch what I say, as my back has been sore for about three weeks now, but I will not take a break! So nuff said bout dat, too!
It is really cold today, the Southerly his howling off of snow somewhere and gloves and beanies are the order of the day. Forecast shows this will last a couple more days, so all strength to us! Brrrrrrr!
The children are all fine and Meghan is really enjoying her new role as horse minder / keeper / owner. She dutifully goes about her chores with Melba without a hint of the Meghan attitude, though she has lost none of that dry sense of humour, in fact, I believe she is honing it and developing the confidence to share it, or should I say use it!? Probably use it, as it is I who tends to be impaled on the harpoon of her wit most often.
I have been promising myself to jot down these gems, so hopefully in the next letter………..
Time runs out, again, as we approach Paraparaumu station and another day is almost done. Just the five minute bus trip home and it is family update time, dodging Meghan’s quips and savouring Desiree’s cooking……….. slobber, slobber…….. and the mandatory world cup soccer highlights at 8:30PM.
The cost of convenience
The oil price is starting to have an effect and for the first time it nips at my pocket. Outside of the price of petrol at the pump, the impact has been little felt by the man in the street. Our grocery bill seems to have remained fairly static and the price of public transport has not increased, until yesterday that is.
As of 3 July, train fares on the Capital Connection rise 15%, though I
believe it is 3 years since the last increase.
Fares on the Metro trains will rise on average 15% in August and it is expected the new fare and boundary structure will be implemented on the bus sector in August.
I suspect this is going to send a portion of the commuters, who turned to public transport in the face of the fuel price hikes, back into their cars with the additional cost of the fares not warranting the sacrifice of convenience.
As of 3 July, train fares on the Capital Connection rise 15%, though I
believe it is 3 years since the last increase.
Fares on the Metro trains will rise on average 15% in August and it is expected the new fare and boundary structure will be implemented on the bus sector in August.
I suspect this is going to send a portion of the commuters, who turned to public transport in the face of the fuel price hikes, back into their cars with the additional cost of the fares not warranting the sacrifice of convenience.
So less crowding on the trains and an increase in traffic congestion.
Strange this obsession with convenience. Consider the cost of motoring to work in Wellington from Kapiti:
- 100km per day for 20 days is 2000km
- Average car at an average 10km per litre is 200 litres
- $1.70 a litre equates to $340 a month in fuel alone. I will not go into running costs.
- It does not end there though. Parking in the city is at a premium and best early bird rates are $10 per day, so an additional $200 for the month.
- Minimum grand total to run your car into Wellington for convenience? $550.
Under the new fare structure my monthly bill will total $290. The trains run every 20 minutes during peak hour and we have an express service to Kapiti.
The busses are scheduled to align with train arrival and departure times, so little planning is required. The new fares will also see the introduction of new rules on the Capital Connection. Given that the service is superior, in comfort and facilities, they will no longer accept student term passes or discounted tickets.
This should reduce the overcrowding on this service, caused by the fact that it is exactly the same fare as the standard service, so the trip of choice for most from Kapiti.
I look forward to 3 July, even if it means I am being a little bit of a snob, because I will pay the extra to use the service.
Letter to my friend (For Posterity)
The Rant
(Written some time back, so posted here to share. Note the "farm" refers to New Zealand)
Ah yes...... alas, the farm was flooded, so no rugby, though I was pretty hacked that it was called off. It had rained heavily over Wellington, but the Kapiti Coast was a jaffer! Bright, freshly washed sunshine on a clean garden! Was thinking that if they call of the rugger every time there has been a bit of rain, these kids will never get to play and what will I have to enthuse about?! Honestly, rugby is a contact sport, played in all but lightning-skies and pitches that resemble the deep end of a swimming pool!
You can just imagine the kid’s disappointment. Like telling a 6 year old he has to wait an hour after lunch before he can swim.
Mere mortal, middle class hacks just do not get a fair shout anymore! The meek have indeed inherited the earth! "We can not allow our children to play rugby in the acid rain!” We stopped allowing anybody, including us as parents, to enforce boundaries for these poor cudgers a decade ago........... we must honour the rights of criminals (after all, many of these criminals are the un-disciplined kids we raised over the past decade).........."
So, there was no rugby! Damned meek! Best you go and spend my taxes on building indoor fields for rugby to played on, so that when your "inmate bound" delinquents lose you cannot blame it on acid rain getting in their eyes. Of course, it never affects the winners, hey!?
I feel better now! No I don't! But at least there is this weekend to look forward to, unless a cyclone develops off the coast of Siberia or an earthquake is felt under Greenland or we get a few drops of rain here, or fears of a killer wave travelling across the Atlantic, splitting at the bottom of Africa, making its way inexorably across the Pacific, Indian and Tasman's to envelope New Zealand in some much longed for "decent surf conditions"
I have always believed society was invented to protect the weak from the strong......... but this is bloody ridiculous!
So good to hear that the house is not a disappointment and that my encouragement to take the plunge has not backfired, yet! Will keep a close eye on developments, at the first sign of trouble, I will deny all knowledge.....
EDS are EDS! Same shit, different building! i cannot wait for the kids birth certificates to arrive from Home Affairs (4 more weeks according to their blurb), then I apply for PR and so I hope that by the end of July, mid August, I will have free reign to work for whom I please.
We are all sooo very well, for which I am thankful, though I notice some quietness around each of the kids and Des (and Me) from time to time, those occasions when one looks back across the ocean and ponders. I know that for me the ponder is short. The looking back is more to the friends and family, familiarity of those associations and a deep desire to be sharing this that is our new life with them. That for me is the hardest. I want my folk and friends to experience this!
So I have used up a whole bunch of EDS time to pen this "sharing", but that Rational Upgrade Project needs a schedule, so I must go.
(Written some time back, so posted here to share. Note the "farm" refers to New Zealand)
Ah yes...... alas, the farm was flooded, so no rugby, though I was pretty hacked that it was called off. It had rained heavily over Wellington, but the Kapiti Coast was a jaffer! Bright, freshly washed sunshine on a clean garden! Was thinking that if they call of the rugger every time there has been a bit of rain, these kids will never get to play and what will I have to enthuse about?! Honestly, rugby is a contact sport, played in all but lightning-skies and pitches that resemble the deep end of a swimming pool!
You can just imagine the kid’s disappointment. Like telling a 6 year old he has to wait an hour after lunch before he can swim.
Mere mortal, middle class hacks just do not get a fair shout anymore! The meek have indeed inherited the earth! "We can not allow our children to play rugby in the acid rain!” We stopped allowing anybody, including us as parents, to enforce boundaries for these poor cudgers a decade ago........... we must honour the rights of criminals (after all, many of these criminals are the un-disciplined kids we raised over the past decade).........."
So, there was no rugby! Damned meek! Best you go and spend my taxes on building indoor fields for rugby to played on, so that when your "inmate bound" delinquents lose you cannot blame it on acid rain getting in their eyes. Of course, it never affects the winners, hey!?
I feel better now! No I don't! But at least there is this weekend to look forward to, unless a cyclone develops off the coast of Siberia or an earthquake is felt under Greenland or we get a few drops of rain here, or fears of a killer wave travelling across the Atlantic, splitting at the bottom of Africa, making its way inexorably across the Pacific, Indian and Tasman's to envelope New Zealand in some much longed for "decent surf conditions"
I have always believed society was invented to protect the weak from the strong......... but this is bloody ridiculous!
So good to hear that the house is not a disappointment and that my encouragement to take the plunge has not backfired, yet! Will keep a close eye on developments, at the first sign of trouble, I will deny all knowledge.....
EDS are EDS! Same shit, different building! i cannot wait for the kids birth certificates to arrive from Home Affairs (4 more weeks according to their blurb), then I apply for PR and so I hope that by the end of July, mid August, I will have free reign to work for whom I please.
We are all sooo very well, for which I am thankful, though I notice some quietness around each of the kids and Des (and Me) from time to time, those occasions when one looks back across the ocean and ponders. I know that for me the ponder is short. The looking back is more to the friends and family, familiarity of those associations and a deep desire to be sharing this that is our new life with them. That for me is the hardest. I want my folk and friends to experience this!
So I have used up a whole bunch of EDS time to pen this "sharing", but that Rational Upgrade Project needs a schedule, so I must go.
The great conspiracy!
I remain convinced and undeterred in my theory that the Kiwi’s have long conspired to keep immigrants out of the country.
From afar and across the waters, we see images of snow, wind, rain, cold, rain, rain and more rain! Bollocks!
We are now well into the winter and yes, we have had rain, we have had wind and there is currently the heaviest snow in 20 years in the Canterbury district. Snow on the plains that are the setting for Christchurch. I suggest they are pretty cold, considering the power outage in many areas for going on two days now! But we are led to believe Wellington’s weather is so “crapola”, “Windy Wellington” they say! “It always rains in Wellington” they say!
Well I say! Crapola!
The air temperature is yet to dip below freezing! Even with the Southerly that has been breezing off the Canterbury snows only a couple of hundred kilometres away. While we have seen some heavy frosts the last two mornings, it simply proves we have had clear skies, after a rainy spell of, wait for it, one day! The air temperature is nowhere near as chill as a Highveld winter and compares more closely with Cape Town,
When it storms, it storms! The wind comes out of the south, biting, with grey skies that gives the city an eerie darkness that suggests home time, all day. These rants of winter remain short lived though, with spells lasting a day or two, followed by the frosts and clear skies. My sense is that, on average, we have two days of weather a week. Long may it last, until spring plucks up the courage to step up to the plate and provide us those beach days, tramping days, barbeque days.
For South Africans having lived on the Highveld and in the Cape “of storms” the transition has not been challenging. I can, however, understand a Durbanite or anybody who has grown up north of the tropic of Capricorn having issues with settling to this.
The Kiwi’s have also figured that being even slightly cold is plain stupid. They wrap up and wear gloves and scarves and beanies, when all that is needed is a jacket. So when you see them on TV, at venues on the North Island, wrapped in their “Puffer Jackets” (sleeping bags with sleeves) beenies, scarves and sporting gloves that would allow one to conquer Everest? It is bollocks!
Having said that, I believe if one were in Dunedin or Otago or Invercargill and you did not own that apparel, you would freeze to death.
My point? Do not fear the weather if you plan to visit the North Island and I cannot wait for the snows to arrive on the ranges around Wellington much like this
Though a picture I stumbled accross of Upper Hutt, a suburb north east of Wellington is not quite what I had in mind!
From afar and across the waters, we see images of snow, wind, rain, cold, rain, rain and more rain! Bollocks!
We are now well into the winter and yes, we have had rain, we have had wind and there is currently the heaviest snow in 20 years in the Canterbury district. Snow on the plains that are the setting for Christchurch. I suggest they are pretty cold, considering the power outage in many areas for going on two days now! But we are led to believe Wellington’s weather is so “crapola”, “Windy Wellington” they say! “It always rains in Wellington” they say!
Well I say! Crapola!
The air temperature is yet to dip below freezing! Even with the Southerly that has been breezing off the Canterbury snows only a couple of hundred kilometres away. While we have seen some heavy frosts the last two mornings, it simply proves we have had clear skies, after a rainy spell of, wait for it, one day! The air temperature is nowhere near as chill as a Highveld winter and compares more closely with Cape Town,
When it storms, it storms! The wind comes out of the south, biting, with grey skies that gives the city an eerie darkness that suggests home time, all day. These rants of winter remain short lived though, with spells lasting a day or two, followed by the frosts and clear skies. My sense is that, on average, we have two days of weather a week. Long may it last, until spring plucks up the courage to step up to the plate and provide us those beach days, tramping days, barbeque days.
For South Africans having lived on the Highveld and in the Cape “of storms” the transition has not been challenging. I can, however, understand a Durbanite or anybody who has grown up north of the tropic of Capricorn having issues with settling to this.
The Kiwi’s have also figured that being even slightly cold is plain stupid. They wrap up and wear gloves and scarves and beanies, when all that is needed is a jacket. So when you see them on TV, at venues on the North Island, wrapped in their “Puffer Jackets” (sleeping bags with sleeves) beenies, scarves and sporting gloves that would allow one to conquer Everest? It is bollocks!
Having said that, I believe if one were in Dunedin or Otago or Invercargill and you did not own that apparel, you would freeze to death.
My point? Do not fear the weather if you plan to visit the North Island and I cannot wait for the snows to arrive on the ranges around Wellington much like this
Though a picture I stumbled accross of Upper Hutt, a suburb north east of Wellington is not quite what I had in mind!
Update – 12 June 2006
Much has been happening, while nothing has been happening!
Nothing in the sense that our lives are settling and that our news, for now at least, is pretty mundane. I am proud of what we have achieved in such a short time and that within just 5 months of leaving South Africa, I am experiencing “writers block”! No fun in just providing the weekends sports results, again, the weather update, again, the …………. you get the idea.
That said, much HAS been happening:
Des and I took a night off. We booked into the West Plaza Hotel, in central Wellington last Sunday afternoon on a package deal which included a suite, dinner, breakfast and champagne as a welcome. The champers never materialised and we didn’t much care.
The idea was to get away, take in a show, a good meal and sleep in a little on the Monday morning, a public holiday here celebrating the Queen’s birthday.
The suite was not that well appointed, but Des appreciated the gown laid out on the bed and a steaming hot bath before we dashed to the Circa Theatre, two blocks down. We arrived in time to enjoy a glass of wine and then discovered we were welcome to take a glass into the theatre. I took full advantage and ordered another glass of the kiwi red and proceeded to what is an intimate venue, seating no more than 200.
We were entertained by lively performances, good humour and a reasonably responsive audience. “The Underpants” proved a good tonic and we left feeling that our $70 had been well spent.
A dash back up the 2 blocks to the hotel, in a biting southerly carrying buckets of water, saw us back at the hotel for an early dinner. One of those dinners were the plates are huge, the helpings small and an artist is employed to decorate ornately the vast open spaces of porcelain, with splashes of colour and sprigs of things. The food was good! The combinations worked well and the flavours were what the taste buds had expected having been primed by lavish descriptions on the menu.
A bottle of white wine to the good and our tummies satisfied, we opted to retire to the bar in the hotel for night caps. The weather had turned sour and the southerly ensured we did not want to go dashing off to the nightlife spots some 4 blocks away. Dom Benedictine and Johnny Walker Black ensured we were “well oiled” for bed time
Only needing to check out at 1PM and with breakfast being served until 10:30, we took advantage and only rose around 9:30. Quick shower and off to breakfast. The usual fare of fruit and yoghurt and juice and eggs and toast and bacon and, and, and washed down with good black coffee.
We lazed around the room a little after breakfast and checked out. We had not made plans and the weather was still unpleasant with gusting icy southerlies, though no rain. A little retail therapy! We had been putting off making a few required purchases, so set about the shopping precinct.
Puffer jackets for the children, a strip plug for me, insulation tape for Travis, a few goodies from the $2 Store and a toaster.
We snacked-for-lunch at a Cafe on Cuba Street, which could just as well have been Long Street in Cape Town. Our day was done and we headed back to Kapiti and our children, a DVD and Pizza for supper.
I had put in for leave on the Tuesday, so had an extra day to myself to potter around the house catch my breath and just relax, given that Des was at work and the kids at school for most of the day.
On the sporting front the KCU “Hair on Rosetta” 3rds remain unbeaten and we are track to win the league with 3 games remaining. The ladies team recorded a good win and Desiree scored on of the four goals. Kapiti college rugby bounced back from their loss to Newlands with a good win against Tawa College and slipped to a draw this weekend against Hereatanga College (17-17). Travis scored a nice try against Tawa but the big improvement in his game is his defence. The boy is missing very little and is effectively intimidating his opposite number with thumping tackles and very aggressive running with ball in hand.
The netball team are really struggling though, especially when faced with teams comprising adults. These mismatches are soul destroying for the girls, though when they are faced with teams from the colleges, more age and skill related, they compete eagerly and have acquitted themselves well. They still seek their first win and I hope it comes soon, as the girls train hard and deserve a little success for their efforts.
The horse lease is going really well and Melba is proving to be a good fit for Meghan. I call her Granny Melba, which Megs finds less than amusing and retorts with “you are not so young yourself, grandpa Alan” type comments.
Travis was invited to the New Zealand Cross Country Championships, to be contested at Welcome Bay near Mt Manganui. He decided that the 10 days notice he was given was not sufficient to prepare properly and give himself the opportunity to compete. It is a long drive from Wellington and I think he did not want to miss his rugby.
More Travis news: He started a job on Sunday at a local fish and chips shop. Yip, Travis working! Who would have thought? I expected Sherrie to lead the way on that one. He has been frequenting the take out, near Kapiti College for some time now and when he spotted a vacancy advertised in the window, he applied. He was started on the till and wrapping the food fare and came home smelling of fish-and-chips-cooking-oil and eyes wide at what it takes to run a busy food outlet. He seems keen, so we wait to see.
Desiree’s work continues to interest her and she is receiving great feedback from both her clients and her employer.
For the record, I am tipping the
NETHERLANDS FOR THE WORLD CUP!
Nothing in the sense that our lives are settling and that our news, for now at least, is pretty mundane. I am proud of what we have achieved in such a short time and that within just 5 months of leaving South Africa, I am experiencing “writers block”! No fun in just providing the weekends sports results, again, the weather update, again, the …………. you get the idea.
That said, much HAS been happening:
Des and I took a night off. We booked into the West Plaza Hotel, in central Wellington last Sunday afternoon on a package deal which included a suite, dinner, breakfast and champagne as a welcome. The champers never materialised and we didn’t much care.
The idea was to get away, take in a show, a good meal and sleep in a little on the Monday morning, a public holiday here celebrating the Queen’s birthday.
The suite was not that well appointed, but Des appreciated the gown laid out on the bed and a steaming hot bath before we dashed to the Circa Theatre, two blocks down. We arrived in time to enjoy a glass of wine and then discovered we were welcome to take a glass into the theatre. I took full advantage and ordered another glass of the kiwi red and proceeded to what is an intimate venue, seating no more than 200.
We were entertained by lively performances, good humour and a reasonably responsive audience. “The Underpants” proved a good tonic and we left feeling that our $70 had been well spent.
A dash back up the 2 blocks to the hotel, in a biting southerly carrying buckets of water, saw us back at the hotel for an early dinner. One of those dinners were the plates are huge, the helpings small and an artist is employed to decorate ornately the vast open spaces of porcelain, with splashes of colour and sprigs of things. The food was good! The combinations worked well and the flavours were what the taste buds had expected having been primed by lavish descriptions on the menu.
A bottle of white wine to the good and our tummies satisfied, we opted to retire to the bar in the hotel for night caps. The weather had turned sour and the southerly ensured we did not want to go dashing off to the nightlife spots some 4 blocks away. Dom Benedictine and Johnny Walker Black ensured we were “well oiled” for bed time
Only needing to check out at 1PM and with breakfast being served until 10:30, we took advantage and only rose around 9:30. Quick shower and off to breakfast. The usual fare of fruit and yoghurt and juice and eggs and toast and bacon and, and, and washed down with good black coffee.
We lazed around the room a little after breakfast and checked out. We had not made plans and the weather was still unpleasant with gusting icy southerlies, though no rain. A little retail therapy! We had been putting off making a few required purchases, so set about the shopping precinct.
Puffer jackets for the children, a strip plug for me, insulation tape for Travis, a few goodies from the $2 Store and a toaster.
We snacked-for-lunch at a Cafe on Cuba Street, which could just as well have been Long Street in Cape Town. Our day was done and we headed back to Kapiti and our children, a DVD and Pizza for supper.
I had put in for leave on the Tuesday, so had an extra day to myself to potter around the house catch my breath and just relax, given that Des was at work and the kids at school for most of the day.
On the sporting front the KCU “Hair on Rosetta” 3rds remain unbeaten and we are track to win the league with 3 games remaining. The ladies team recorded a good win and Desiree scored on of the four goals. Kapiti college rugby bounced back from their loss to Newlands with a good win against Tawa College and slipped to a draw this weekend against Hereatanga College (17-17). Travis scored a nice try against Tawa but the big improvement in his game is his defence. The boy is missing very little and is effectively intimidating his opposite number with thumping tackles and very aggressive running with ball in hand.
The netball team are really struggling though, especially when faced with teams comprising adults. These mismatches are soul destroying for the girls, though when they are faced with teams from the colleges, more age and skill related, they compete eagerly and have acquitted themselves well. They still seek their first win and I hope it comes soon, as the girls train hard and deserve a little success for their efforts.
The horse lease is going really well and Melba is proving to be a good fit for Meghan. I call her Granny Melba, which Megs finds less than amusing and retorts with “you are not so young yourself, grandpa Alan” type comments.
Travis was invited to the New Zealand Cross Country Championships, to be contested at Welcome Bay near Mt Manganui. He decided that the 10 days notice he was given was not sufficient to prepare properly and give himself the opportunity to compete. It is a long drive from Wellington and I think he did not want to miss his rugby.
More Travis news: He started a job on Sunday at a local fish and chips shop. Yip, Travis working! Who would have thought? I expected Sherrie to lead the way on that one. He has been frequenting the take out, near Kapiti College for some time now and when he spotted a vacancy advertised in the window, he applied. He was started on the till and wrapping the food fare and came home smelling of fish-and-chips-cooking-oil and eyes wide at what it takes to run a busy food outlet. He seems keen, so we wait to see.
Desiree’s work continues to interest her and she is receiving great feedback from both her clients and her employer.
For the record, I am tipping the
NETHERLANDS FOR THE WORLD CUP!
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