Te Anau is beautiful

 AWWH what Te Anau does to a hard working executive !!! - not the most flattering photo but good to see bumble catching up on some much needed rest

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear dad - Happy birthday to you - followed by 68 claps


Hi again from gorgeous Te Anau
This weekend we have driven five and a half hours to my parents home in a place called Te Anau.  It is a beautiful spot that has a lake, mountains, bush and loads of sand-flies.  Usually when we make the trip her to visit our family it P#$%@# down with rain and Te Anau is know for its high rainfall.  We are essentially on the West Coast of New Zealand.
My family are all well and we have our Niece and Nephew Sophia and Nicholas also staying.  It makes for a busy household.  Fortunately the cousins all get along very well with each other.  The boys are camped out in the tent and think that its really cool to be camping.  They are both attending the Scout Jamboree early January so look upon this as practice for that.  Both Boys have attended a Jamboree before three years ago.  
We have enjoyed today as Richard and I have been investigating the places that we will take Eric and Sonja when they come over to visit next year.  I have taken Richard to all my favourite places around here.  My family have lived at Te Anau for twenty one years so are now considered locals.  

 Abbey almost asleep on the couch - they had been busy playing down at the lake, and at the playground

 The boys in the tent chilling and enjoying swapping stories Nicholas almost 14 and Alex 14 (cousins)

 Cousins Sophia (12) and Abbey relaxing after loads of mountain air

 A small sample of the bush around Te Anau - it is much better after it has been raining! This is the beginning of the Kepler Track

 Watch out for the Kiwis - the national bird - I have never actually seen one as they are nocturnal.  This is the beginning of the Kepler track and the bridge over the Waiau River.

 The Waiu river and beginning of the Kepler Track - a lovely four day walk.

 Our national Christmas tree - The Pohutakawa tree - they flower in the bush at Christmas time

 This is where the Waiau River is and we did a small part of the track today.

 Lake Manapouri and Deep Cove in the distance - a lovely trip but very very cold water and the deepest lake in New Zealand.

 Mushrooms growing in the bush - don't eat these they are poisonous

 Pearl Harbour - The other end of the Waiau River and where you catch the boat to Deep Cove

Native Flax (Harakeke) - beside the river edge.  A small version of another native plant

Personally I always enjoy visiting Te Anau for the different climate.  We are 750 feet above sea level in the town so the air is very crisp.  Te Anau always makes us feel sleepy and hungry.  I don't know what it is about Mountain air but it just does that.  We enjoy waking up to the sound of native birds, walking along the lake front and exploring the local book shop.  My dad always cooks us a yummy barbecue - no what the weather. For some reason food always tastes good cooked on his BBQ.  I reckon Dad would give you a good run for your money Todd and Eric with his BBQ skills.
I have just taken some photos of the kids relaxing, and may sneak a photo of Richard snoozing on the bed.  He also enjoys relaxing as he has had a busy four weeks since our big trip.  He has been working long hours. 
Well it is a georgous warm evening and the sun is still shinnning - a rarity on our Te Anau visits.  we are about to go sit outside and enjoy a cold beer while dad cooks his BBQ - Mum is away with her ladies group but will return soon for tea.  We are all celebrating dad's birthday as he turned 68 this week.  Happy birthday Dad.
Enjoy and have a good week all
RIP to the 29 men who perished in the Pike River Coal Mine this week - Our thoughts and prayers are with the families at this terribly tragic time.


Here is a link about the Kepler track for those who want to read more
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/southland/te-anau-area/kepler-track/
The link to my brothers business that just won a New Zealand national tourism award - well done guys
http://www.teanaumotel.co.nz/

Narnia and Elephant rocks

This is Amelia on top of one of the elephant rocks- taken today on our short road trip to see the Elephant rocks and the location where they filmed the lord of the rings and Narnia




This is a sample of the rocks at "Elephant Rocks"

 

Mum and Amelia having fun

Sisterly Love



Narnia Valley




Narnia Valley - cows and all



Can you see the Elephant, and Abbey up on top?.  This is what the rocks are named after

The earth Oven used in Narnia

Narnia Valley - and some tourists having a photo shoot

Explanation of Earthquake Rocks

Earthquake Rocks and the fossils

Hi all again from Sunny - windy Oamaru.
Today as you can see from the photos we  have had a lovely day exploring "Elephant rocks" - where they filmed parts of "Lord of the Rings" and "Narnia". 



This is for you Zac - taken at Elephant Rocks

While in Blue Springs we had the privilege of meeting and sharing a meal with the "Pelham" family.  Zac the oldest child was tickled pink when we shared with him just how close that we were to the rocks that they filmed the chronicles of Narnia, and we promised him we would visit and take some pictures for him.
We are embarrassed to say that we have not ventured to this area for quite some time, in fact it is many years since we've been there.  We stopped at the local visitor center and had to ask for directions.  The man there was lovely but thought it was a hoot that locals had to ask for directions.  We took along a picnic lunch, and really enjoyed looking at all the rocks, and eating in the open air.  It was nice to have a family outing on a Saturday that everyone enjoyed.  And guess what, we ate our first strawberries for the season today.  The local berry farm had the open sign out when we drove past.  They tasted divine.  Sonja over here you don't have to wash the strawberries as they are grown organically.  YUMMY. 
I particularly loved some quiet time sitting atop one of the rocks, just taking in the countryside.  I looked at the greenery everywhere, the animals, the georgous views, and appreciated just how beautiful our country is.  I am looking forward to sharing these moments and views with Eric and Sonja when they visit next year.  New Zealand is very different to Blue Springs.
One thing though I have sore eyes tonight, and my friend suggested that it was sun burnt eyes.  I wonder if she is right as they are really stinging - like sunburn would.  It was very sunny today, and Richard is now sporting rather red ears!!, I am OK as my skin is the type that doesn't burn, just goes brown.  We have forgotten how quickly you burn here, as when we were in the states we didn't have a problem with sunburn despite being outside all day.  We are just that much closer to Antarctica and the Ozone hole so the intensity of the sun means that you burn in ten minutes or so without sunscreen.  We must remember to have sunscreen and hats next time we go on an outing, and sunglasses for the kids.
On another note I am now at the point of nagging Richard about the bed - I need and want a KING size bed.  Our bed just isn't comfortable anymore.  Even if it takes me a year I will persist with nagging.  Sleep is very important, and my body is still running on US time.  How long does jet lag take to disappear?
Well it's bedtime - haha, and maybe some good quality sleep will come my way - finally.
Tomorrow we have lots planned with chuch , and then a parents lunch with the scout troup, in preparation for the upcomming Jamboree.  Alex is at a pre-jamboree camp this weekend, and the house has been quiet.
Goodnight all.

Reality

Well, we have been home now for two weeks, and it has flown by.  It is back to reality - hence the title.  The weather is starting to improve and yesterday we had the warmth of 29oC ( 84 Fahrenheit), and was lovely.  Everyone was complaining how hot it was and I was going No give me more - I love it.  I have decided that I have an aversion to the cold.  My Rheumatoid arthritis has been terrible since being home and I now realise that it is the climate that has an effect on pain and stiffness.  I didn't have much trouble when I was away due to the heat, but since coming home have had restless nights and woken quite stiff in the mornings and have that constant familiar ache back.  Urrgh.
I seems a whole world away that this time two weeks ago we were having loads of fun at Universal studios, and were enjoying some glorious weather and fun rides - I seem to remember the Jurassic park ride at this time.
Since being home we have settled back into a routine and the kids have forgotten about that exemplary behaviour.  The honeymoon is over, OVER, OVER!  They have mum home now who will cook, clean and pick up after them.  On the bright side it is lovely to have a busy household with lots of kids coming and going.  This week when I was really tired, I had changed into comfy PJ's and was just enjoying some quiet time, when there was a knock at the door and a friend from down the street arrived for a chat.  Embarrassing.  I don't normally do this and the one time that I did I get a visitor.  Richard was out at a meeting, and Abbey was in bed, Amelia at work, and Alex studying.  Never mind we had a lovely time PJ's and all.  This friend had been to Disneyland and Universal studios so we enjoyed sharing memories.
In the last week we have started talking about future dreams and have both decided that we have a four year plan.  In four years Alex will have finished high school, Amelia will be well through her studies at Uni, and Abbey will be turning 14.  It is then that we plan to have some time working and living in the US - or Canada,, or Australia.  In the next four years Richard will work on finishing his masters, I will sit the NClex exams - that enable me to work in the US, and we will build our capital.  It is a big decision but is also great to have some goals.  This trip has made us realise that no dream is impossible.
Sonja and Eric we are missing your family and would love to hear from you both if you have time.  Amy and Bob thanks for the lovely email.  To everyone else we are still sorting through email contacts and loading them on the computer.
My heart is not in my job anymore, and I have come to the conclusion that I need to refocus and look for other work options.  I am in need of a new challenge.  I think this was brewing before we went on this trip.  The problem is that the options are limited in Oamaru.  Our boss is coming for a visit next week, so I will discuss with her the possibility of finding a new challenge.
Socially we have had a lovely week.  It is always nice to meet new people and this week we have met a lovely couple Wendy and Allan and their kids Clayton and Brittany.  They live near to us, and Clayton is the same age as Alex, so he is enjoying a new friend.  I have always worried about Alex and his ability to make friends, so it is lovely to see him happy.  The boys have also included another boy their age Logan who also lives near here.  Wendy and Allan are from South Africa and are new to Oamaru.  Welcome to Oamaru Wendy and Allan.
This week on my travels for work I also met with a lady who runs a local music and movement group.  She also live on our street, so we got talking and decided that there is a need for a "Fernbrook Road" social gathering to promote a bit more of a caring community.  We are going to organise a bit if a Christmas gathering for the street.  This is to also take care of some or our more elderly citizens that live in this area.  I like the idea of a more inclusive community.  What better way to encourage this than by leading by example.
Also this week I have become aware of the need for a support group for people with arthritis that are younger.  I have been approached by three other newly diagnosed sufferers who were in need of someone to off load to and who understood just what they were going through.  My goal for next week is to make contact with the field officer for the area and ask for help to facilitate this kind of support.  Currently there is support for people, but it is mainly aimed at older clients.  What we need is a safe place to talk about issues that suffers face eg, working , being a parent and looking after yourself.  Also it is good to be able to share information about medications, specialists, and ways to manage daily life.
http://www.arthritis.org.nz/ this is a link to the NZ arthritis website
Anyway it is time that I went and hung the washing out and finished off the housework - the daily chores continue :)

FIREWORKS

Tonight we braved the fireworks display at Weston - a local fundraiser for the local school.  Weston school is not one that our kids attend, but one of the schools that I visit with work.  Every year we make the trip out there to view the fireworks display at dusk.  It was typically freezing, despite many layers of clothing and some blankets.  We enjoyed the display but couldn't help compare it with the Disneyland display.  It just wasn't quite the same without the laser lighting, Tinkerbell and the music.  All said and done though the display was by far the best so far that we have seen, and the fireworks seemed to go higher in the sky this time.
The kids enjoyed meeting up with their friends and also had tons of fun with glow sticks and bangles.
It was planned for yesterday evening but the inclement weather meant that it was postponed until tonight.  It was a shame as there were noticeably less people present. 
I am starting to come back to reality and life in Oamaru.  I dislike the cold here, and am still struggling with the queen size bed.  It just is too small.
Richard has been unwell since we have been back and has a nasty infection in his lower shin.  We are unsure where he picked it up from, but it looks like a spider bite.  I am just tired and still feel jet lagged.
Today we started editing all our holiday photos and videos.  It is fun re looking at them and bringing the memories alive again. 
Tomorrow we have a mothers group picnic with games like we use to play as kids e.g egg and spoon races, and three legged races.  I am looking forward to the family time and some fun.  The mothers group that I belong to is a lovely group of woman with whom you can always be assured of a good laugh.
Anyway it is late and well past bedtime - my body is still operating on a US timetable.  I think it is an unconscious way of saying move to the states. 
Goodnight all

HOME

Well hello all, we are home safe and sound now, despite our travel adventures in Brisbane. I had no idea that I could go 55 hrs withour sleep. We both feel rather jaded and a bit jet lagged. Today it was back to reality and work. Work hasn't changed and is still busy with many emails to deal with and families in need of support. Richard had to also come back to busy urgent stuff to sort out. Life goes one eh. We have been home for one day and already experienced rude people. If only some of our locals could have the manners and customer service that our USA friends did!

The kids are being exemplary, and it's great to have their cuddles and hear about their adventures. They have all missed us. Thankyou to my Mum and Dad, Marian and the WBHS Hostel for helping out with the kids. They have really enjoyed good food, fun, and granny's activities.

We are already beginning to talk about when the next trip will be and how we can make it happen. It is time to broaden our horizons. Please give us a green card so that we can move to the States.

One thing though is that we did notice was how green our country is and just how small it really is. The cars are smaller, the roads smaller, our houses smaller, our goods and produce extremely expensive, and the people lacking in customer service skills.

On a more positive note, this trip has broadened our global views, and we are now not afraid to stretch our wings. It's great to see how a community works in another part of the world. We realise that you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it and don't have to accept mediocrity. We also have come to appreciate our family and the importance of the kids. When you have spent a whole month apart we all appreciate each other more.

Another thing when you have been away form TV it all seems unimportant and boring now. I have enjoyed not watching as much tv and spenidng more time as a family in the evening. Tonight we talked about career choices for the older two, and spent time with Abbey sharing her travels in the last three weeks. We intend to do more family things as the kids are growing up fast.

Well It's late again and bedtime as my body is still recovering from the lack of sleep.

For our US friends it's freezing here. We arrived back in Chch at 1.30 am ish Monday morning and it was like walking out to an iceberg.

I don't think we realised just how cold the wind here is, and also how moist the air is. It is very crisp. We have the heat pump going fullbore and put more blankets on the bed.

Just before we sign off I would like to say a very special thankyou to our friend Julie who was kind enough to get out of bed early Monday morning, rescue us from the airport, drive us to her house,make us a hot chocolate and tuck us into bed, which had been warmed up with an electric blanket. Thankyou soo soo much Julie. It's friends like you that make coming home special. You are awesome.

Good night all and GO TIGERS.