WTF am I doing awake at this time of the morning

Holy Cow - why am I awake at 5.30am - Oh yes I know - the cat is meowing rather loudly as she has just clambered through the window in her elderly state, and its light.  Yep its light as this early hour of the morning.  Not even blackout curtains have stopped the light sneaking through the windows. 

OK so i will fill you in on the last couple of weeks of happenings in the Mabon household.

Our precious oldest daughter celebrated her 18th birthday party, and my dear mum her 68th birthday.

Bumbles attempt to go cross eyed

Amelia and her boyfriend Jason

the Bonfire at Kakanui Beach

Our lovely kids at the beach

For Amelia's birthday she wanted to have a bonfire at the beach with her friends.  As parents we were a little anxious about controlling a group of lively

Mum and the girls

birthday girl - Abbey doing the cross eyed thing
 a very tired Amelia after the party the night before,and work the next day.

teenagers, whom fully intended to have alcohol present. However it was a fun occasion.  We had twenty eighteen year olds at her party, and they were all respectful and well behaved.  I have to say though there seemed to be a whole lot more boys than girls present.  Keeping up to our tradition for bonfires at the beach it was rather less than tropical again, and we were all glad of the heat from the fire.  We fed everyone Pizza and hot chips, and it disappeared quickly.  When it got dark we had a small fireworks display, and some sparklers.  It was funny seeing big stropping teenage boys enjoy something as simple as sparklers - there is a little kid in all of us still.  After dark all retired to our garage to continue the celebrations.  I think we eventually got everyone home safely by 2.30am - even if some stayed the night on our lounge floor.  As parents our lives are full of firsts - and this was our first experience of hosting a party involving alcohol.  All I can say is that WE SURVIVED - phew.

In the last week leading up to Christmas, we are winding down.  Bumble finishes on Wednesday and i on Thursday.  Abbey finished school last Friday.  Amelia and Alex are both working heaps this week and over January as they save their dollars for various things.  I find myself once again having to think about childcare for Abbey as  our built in babysitters are working more hours than mum and dad this week.  Alex spends all his time thinking about what he can spend his money  on, and Amelia is saving madly for University next year.  We have finished all the Christmas shopping, and have done the big Christmas grocery shop.  Urrgh each year I spend more and seem to get less. 

We are starting to make plans for next year and have decided that 2012 is going to be a fabulous year with lots of exciting changes - Ill talk more on that later when all will be revealed., so until next year that's all folks

Have  a safe, happy and blessed Christmas and enjoy the Holiday break.

PS I wish the cat would shut up - please someone get up and feed her.

The year in summary



My lovely mum and dad - mum teasing dad about his chins!!!

Well good morning everyone - as i lay here in bed at 8.30 in the morning enjoying the sunshine streaming in the windows, and the gentle breeze blowing in the windows - hopefully sweeping away the bad aroma coming from the en suite (left by Richard on his morning constitutional).  He'll be upset at me for the reference to the lovely smell - actually it was enough to motivate me to wake up, open the curtains, and all windows.  That's the disadvantage of en suite bathrooms.

Last night we had a lovely evening with friends Jan, Stephen, and their daughter Jazmin.  They live on a farmlett, and I love visiting, as they have chooks, a tractor, ride on lawnmower - yes dad a RIDE ON  - (that's another story), and a brand new pool.  All this along with cows BIG ONES - that know i don't like them and two hilarious dogs.  Bruce a large brown dog and patchiz a small jack Russell.  they are so much fun to watch.  Jan has a rather large tunnel house that is currently growing really cool things like peanuts, passion fruit, cucumber, tamirillos, and the usual veges.  This is all right by the sea, with lots of space and peaceful sounds of a rural life.  I'm jealous really as the country girl in me is still very much present.  You can take the girl away from the farm, but you cant take the country out of the girl.  My rural upbringing is still very much a part of me.  Fun for me as a child meant building huts in the hay shed, making mud pies, feeding the chooks, and general farm tasks.  I could drive a tractor before my legs were long enough to reach the pedals, and could drive a motorbike well before it was legal.  I still adore lambs, but have become a little townified as i cant stand the smell of sheep poo anymore.  Sorry there are no photos as my camera went flat at the wrong time.

Over the last few weeks we have been preparing for the holiday season and are very much looking forward to a break.  Lets hope that this year we have more luck with that.

Our Antarctic Bonfire at the beach

Two weeks ago we felt like an outing to the beach and decided to make a bonfire and cook some marshmallows.  It was a good idea at the time but actually it was freezing cold and the wind went through all layers of clothing.  We managed to cook marshmallows, but had to flag the fireworks due to the wind.  We had the whole beach to ourselves.  This is something that I really enjoy as when I was growing up we lived far away from the beach and I think we went to the beach very few times.


Reflecting back on this year it continued as it started - nothing going to plan.  It hasn't been the easiest years so lets hope that next year will bring more happiness, and more fun.  The highlights were Eric's visit, and survival.  Our kids continue to grow, and next year will see Amelia fly the nest and attend University in Dunedin.  Abbey is starting to shoe signs of teenage moodiness - OH god please no.

It was with a touch of sadness last week when I took her into the local toy shop and she wasn't really interested in toys anymore - no more excuses to go toy shopping.  The little kid in me will have to be put on hold for a few years until the need arises again.

Lisa and Our godson Samuel, with Tim in the background

Achievements: Completing year one of the walk by faith course, and getting to know different people this year - thank you Lisa and Tim, Wendy and Allan, Elaine, Sister Mary, Jasmine and their families.  We met regularly on Wednesdays for a shared meal and study session.  we have both enjoyed challenging ourselves and exploring the deeper aspects of Christianity.

Amelia finally getting braces on her rather crooked teeth, graduating from high school

Alex playing rugby for the first time, growing another few inches, getting a job

Abbey joining Cubs, enjoying her friends, and growing up a little bit more

Richard and I hosting Eric - sailing at Akaroa, flying over Nth Otago, Queenstown and Rotorua
SNOW - yep it snowed in Oamaru

Special friends and fun moments

Low Lights: still no king sized bed - the nagging is falling on deaf ears!!!!

Wearing your daughters shiny red shoes - not such a great idea - torn ligaments later
Teenage dramas - involving boys and more boys
Rain, rain and more rain = no holiday - as they say BUGGER, may next year be better

Milly dear OLD Milly needs to visit the vet, shes got to the point of no return sadly, we'll have to assess seriously her state of health early in the new year - shes 18 years old, not bad for a cat, and has been part of all of our married life :(

Our dear old Milly, soaking up the sun

Sorry the blog is misbehaving and I intended to put the picture of mum and dad here but it insists on placing it at the start.  We are blessed to still have my parents alive and very well.  They are enjoying retired life and still keeping busy and as active as they can.  Dad still drives a school bus - i don't think he will ever retire, and mum keeps busy with social outings - even if she isn't as mobile as she used to be - mum its time for a scooter.  The scooter will be safer than her driving !! Dads insurance bill has escalated this year from mums dints.  In her words " what dint, it wasn't me - it was the man up the road who is older than me"

We are off to Te Anau for christmas this  year to enjoy their company and spend some time renewing our energy in the fresh crisp mountin air and to swim in the tropical Lake Te Anau (actually its $%^^&* freezing), and to go boating, kyacking, and read plenty of books.
Well best wishes to all our blog followers and may 2012 bring you peace, happiness and Joy.

Richard, Christine, Amelia, Alex and Abbey
xxxxxx

More photos

Abbey and friends at knottingly park

Happy graduation from high school Amellia



Dad and Abbey fathers day outing to Moraki



Eric on the Yacht at Akaroa

Quite the pro sailor - Akaroa

Floss  the lazy sailor

The last five months

Alex's first rubgy game

Is this a sign of the times?



amelia at first school ball for the year



Alex's fifteenth birthday

Amelia and mum St Kevins Formal

Yep it snowed in Oamaru

Alex and Mr Bevridge Gang show bus trip

Welcome Eric to New Zealand and Oamaru

 Well I really must apologise for the slackness - five months of no blogging our family adventures.  All good intentions turned to custard as the bussinness of family life got in the way and winter apporached.  The long cold evenings meant hibernerating.  Any way it seems hard to beleive that a whole year has passed since our USA adventure and the wonderfull hospitality of Blue Springs and the Johnston family.

The time has finally arrived and we are now busy hosting Eric.  Welcome Eric to our community and country, and our family.

 
 Eric arrived into Christchurch last Sunday and we had the joy of reuniting on Monday morning. We drove over windy roads to Akaroa for a sailing adventure.  Poor Eric - we had no idea that  you suffer from motion sickness.  Needless to say the trip was worth it - Akaroa was glorious and the sailing magical.  Our last experiences of sailing were of going backwards completely our of control heading out to sea at Waiheke Island.

 I will try to upload some more photos of the sailing later as I have had problems with the pictures.  The last four days have been action packed with Richard taking Eric to all parts of our District and further afield.  Below is a photo after they had had a flight over North Otago.

 

The happy flyers





Sailing Bumble - hard work!



Oamaru from the Air

Rest and Relaxation

Alex testing out the "Toilet Bowl"

 I think the picture says it all - Fun, Fun, and more Fun.  This Easter we broke with tradition and spent the long holiday at Hamner Springs.  We really enjoyed soaking up the sun and relaxing.  The hot pools have changed heaps, and we discovered the "Adults only" pool.  Here is is like a giant spa pool, with lots of jets that hit just the right places.

My kids dared me to give the hydro slides a go, so I did it. Just to show them that mum is not a chicken.  Despite feeling like being flushed down a toilet, it was actually heaps of fun, and great exercise, once you had climbed all those stairs to the top.  We all enjoyed catching up on sleep, and having time to read some books.


OMG i'm not sure about this



Amelia relaxing at the pools

This was the first holiday that we have had in a few years where we were all there together.  It was lovely to have Amelia with us this time.  She really needed the break from study and work. 
Life has been busy with the ususal family routines and activities in the Mabon Household.  Winter sports are about to commence, and Alex is going to give playing Rubgy a go.  I think he's mad.  He's always been a soccer kid untill now.
Abbey is enjoying Cubs, and last monday we had a mothers evening where the cubs hosted us.  They organised a quizz, and a building cometition with pipecleaners.  It all concluded with supper.



Bumble in his USA Hat, grey hair and all



Abbey celebrating mastering the "Toilet Bowl"


Richard has been extremely busy with his work, and has had a lot of meetings.  This week he has an executive retreat at Wanaka, and next week he is away to Wellington.  Winter is on its way and the days are getting shorter and much colder.  The leaves have all fallen off the trees, and it has started raining alot.  Oh well life goes on and we will all look forward to summer.

Revisiting Childhood memories

Richard and Christine at Milford

 Today we had an amazing day as we visited Milford Sound.  It still remains to be one of my favourite places in New Zealand.  It is best in the rain, but true to form it didnt rain - which happens everytime I visit there.  Even better the sandflies were minimal and I only got one bite.  Sadly you can no longer walk around to the Bowan Falls.


The Homer Tunnell entrance

 This is the Homer Tunnell that was built many years ago to gain access to Milford Sound.  It was hand dug by many workers in harsh conditions.  Milford is known for its snow in winter and the avalanches and of course heavy heavy rain fall.  The tunnell is only one way and you have to wait at the traffic lights for twenty minutes or so to travel through it.  It is over a kilometer long and quite scary.


Magestic Mitre Peak

 Here is a picture of mighty Mitre Peak.  It is part of Milford Sound, where you see dolphins, sea life and the occasional seal.  The only way to gain access is via boat, which we didnt do today as we have done the trip many times.  There wernt too many tour buses today either which was nice, as I feel that Milford has become very commercialised, and lost some of its appeal.  Last time we visited we were swamped by tourists.


View from the Chasm on the way to Milford Sound

 My gosh where is the year going - It's march already.  Time just keeps ticking away, and we dont seem to be achieving anything.  Our lives are very busy with the kids activities, richards work commmmitments and my own activities.  This year is shaping up to be husier than ever, and more tiring too.  I have jsut gone back to playing bridge and that has been heaps of fun.  My bridge playing is a bit rusty but is slowly comming back.  Thank goodness for partners who dont worry about bad bidding, poor leads and just general mistakes.  This weekend is a long weekend for our district so we took the opportunity to visit mum and dad in Te Anau - its a very long way from OAMARU.  Sadly though we had to make a detour via Roxburgh as a colleague was killed last week and we attended her funeral.  She will be sadly missed, as she was real extrovert who lit up the room whenever she entered.  RIP Lesley - we will miss you immensly. Funerals are always sad, but this one was filled with music and prayers and loads of colour.

Abbey at Alex on the rocks

On the way to Roxburgh we stopped at Alexandra for a stretch of the legs and I took the kids to on of my childhood memory places - The shaky bridge at Alexandra.  They enjoyed it immensly and had alot of fun making the bridge shake.  Its funny though how much smaller the bridge seemed to my memories as a child.


Amelia being gumby face

 Amelia has many faces and moods, but this is one of her best gumby faces, taken while playing in the playground at Roxburgh after lunch.  We think we might make a photo board of her and her interestering poses for the camera!


Great Aunty Alma and Uncle Berts House

 Oppostie is a picture of where my Great Aunty and Uncle lived.  Thye owned an orchard that had the juciest apricots ever.  We visited them often as kids and I have memories or eating fruit untill being full to the brim.  I loved our visits to Roxburgh as a kid, and miss those days of hot summer and sun, with as much fruit as you could eat.  Aunty Alma's ashes are scattered up the back of the property.

Clyde Dam

 Opposite is a picture of the Clyde Dam - this forms Lake Dunstan and generates a large amount of power that all goes to the North Island!!  why is our power so dare when we produce the bulk of it in the South Island?.  I can remeber them building this dam, and my parents bringing me here to watch the Dam being filled up. - Now thats showing my age!

Kids at the shaky bridge

My old haunt - the playground at Roxburgh



We had a picnic lunch at this palyground - just like we used to as kids.  It was heaps of fun and I felt like being a kid again, only it was forty years later.  I hope that my kids will remember this as well as a great place to visit.




The beautiful Manototo and endless sky

 


The Roxburgh Hydro Dam

 

Map of where we have been from Oamaru to Roxburgh

 The map over shows our travels from Oamru to Te Anau - well sort of - we left Oamru at 7.30am, travelled to Cronwell via ranfurly (you cant see ti on the map), down to Alexandra, then to Roxburgh which is south of Alexandra, then back to Cromwell, and across to Te Anau.  It was twelve hours in the car in the end.  Urrgh  time sitting, but a great trip, if tinged with sadness.  Anyway we have had some fun adventures and really do live in a beautiful country.  Even if we do have earthquakes and Tsunami warnings,

MUD,Mud,Glorious MUD and Christchurch Devastation, **18 Years**

Today has been fun for our kids.  They had a scouting adventure with a large mudslide.  This is one of the annual events that they hold for Scouts in North Otago.  They have a sausage sizzle and let the kids get as muddy as they like.  It was Abbeys  first time at this event and she took a bit of encouraging to give it ago - but the grin says it all.  The kids loved being covered in mud. Some of the kids took great delight as getting as much mud as they could on their parents too - and needless to say both Richard and I have muddy pants too.  My washing machine is now going full tat to get the clothes clean again. 

This week has been full of sadness for our country as Christchurch experienced a large aftershock stemming from the original one on September.  It was only 6.3 on the Richter scale but caused widespread damage.  Unfortunately it struck at lunchtime - in the central business area of chch.  Many buildings collapsed - trapping and killing hundreds of people.  It is a time of morning for our country as we all try to come to terms with this natural disaster.  Thankfully all of our family and friends have been accounted for, and no major injuries encounted.  Some of our families have lost their homes but we are blessed  that we are not grieving for missing family.

Ohh that's a bit cold

Typical boy - loves getting dirty

WOW mum and dad let me play in the mud

It feels a little naughty to be out with the kids enjoying the mudslide when so many families are grieving, traumatised, and homeless.  The people of Christchurch are very much in our thoughts and prayers at present and our community is busy doing what they can.  Already we are hosting many displaced families, providing food, and assisting with man power as we are able. 

I quite like this mum

On a more special subject today is our wedding anniversary - this time 18 years ago we were getting married in a small stone church in TeAnau.  It was stinking hot and a lovely day.  we plan to celebrate by going our for a meal a Riverstone - which is an award winning restaurant just out of Oamaru.  Both of us are feeling a little low because of the Chch devastation and are struggling to stop thinking about all those families that are grieving for their loved ones.  The stories keep coming of tragic loss - when someone has stopped to help another and then been crushed by falling rubble - or the baby that the TV fell on and broke his neck, or the professor that would not normally be in CHCH and his wife didn't want him to go that day, to the little miracles where the office worker couldn't get the scanner to work and was there instead of at her desk that was crushed by rubble, the counsellor who realised that she was at ground level when her office was on the fourth floor, on and on they go.  There is not one New Zealander who hasn't been affected at a personal level by this disaster.  That is what happens when you live in a small country - everyone is connected to each other in some small way.  RIP all the victims - over 150 now and more to come.
Here is a link for our overseas friends to see the pictures of just how bad the quake is.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/photos

Moraki Boulders, Heat and Southerly wind

Moraki Boulders breaking up

 Today we had a lovely outing to the beach as it was really, really hot - apparently the after effects of cyclone Yasi that hit Queensland - Australia last week. When driving to Moraki the temperature gage on the car got up to 38 oC or 100.5 fareinheight.  Thats hot for here - way way to hot.  I love it.  The rest of the family were quietly melting.  We ate lunch down at the local friendly bay and watched the regatta that was on, then travelled to Hampden for a paddle in the sea - the water was not swimming friendly - it felt like it was straight from antartica.  Anyway it was a very quick way of cooling off.  The kids had a great time playing in the sand and sea.  Then off to Moraki we went for and explore of the Boulders.  During the drive from Hampden to Moraki - approx five minutes, the temperature dropped from 38 (100F) to 20 (68F)  yes the southerly wind had made its presence known.  It was freezing and th wind chill went right through to our bones.  The photo of Alex and Richard shows just  how strong the wind was. It was quite strange really having such extremes in temperature

Alex and Abbey sheltering from the wind in a boulder

 We have had more teenage dramas this weekend and are so over being parents of teenagers - It is really hard work getting it right.  The grey hairs and wrinkles are getting thicker and bigger.


Alex looking out to the Sea ontop of a boulder



I think this looks like a snail - dont you!



The boys struggle against the wind - a strong southerly