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