Staff Luncheon and Retirement

Following a really scrumptious lunch the staff put on a production for me!



I was then presented with a school bag and each person gave me a memento to remind me of school.






"For morning tea or when you miss the little monkeys."

Christmas Eve 2008

Thanks, David, for these lovely photos.






Super-Nana enjoyed being with the kids.





The Red Baron's straps were a bit long so had to be adjusted, but Caleb liked the look of the car by then.



Stacey found its potential. They were a bit puzzled as they had not heard of Snoopy or the Red Baron.

Aeroplanes for 5 year olds

My friend, Brenda Hansen, teaches 5 year olds, and they are doing a Christmas production which includes Snoopy's Christmas. Doug made up these two apple-box aeroplanes that will hopefully fit 5 year olds and last at least as long as the stage show! Some leftover bits might get put together for Caleb. Brenda said she would take some pictures of the kids wearing them...

Long Bay

We have David & Ruth staying here, and on Sunday visited Long Bay Regional Park.

Stacey's 7th birthday

Stacey & Caleb popped around this morning.


They are always very hungry.


After lunch we went out to Awhitu Regional Park for a walk on the beach. We met this nice Californian Quail.

Ducks at Wenderholm

We found these two ducks at Wenderholm that look very similar to 'my duck' at the Manukau Gardens. They must be cousins.



And these ducklings, part of a brood of 12, enjoyed some bread from a camper.

Another art lesson! Graham Braddock sent his off-sider to teach us about colour. We only used the primary colours to create our masterpieces.

Teddy and Middle Eastern Rabbit arrive safely.

Emily and Natasha welcome Teddy and Eastern Rabbit home. They will have lots to tell them.

Teddy leaves for Australia

Teddy and the Middle Eastern Rabbit are on their way!

Goodbye Model A

Off goes the Model A to its new home in England. Teddy wanted to ride on the trailer but was not allowed as there is no seatbelt.

Parts of a 1914 Douglas motorbike are attached, we think Teddy's Grandad was named after one of these, maybe even this one!

Teddy helps around the house

Teddy helps out while he is waiting to fly to Bendigo. Today he gathered up feijoas.



He explained to Abby how to do it and be a really helpful cat, but Abby said "that's not a cat's job". Abby tried hard to think up what a cat's job actually was.

Otorohanga Kiwi House & Bird Park

Nice weather today, and a trip in the MX5 with the top down to see the birdlife at Otorohanga Kiwi House.



The trip took us past Mt Pirongia. It has peaks from several eruptions 2.5 million years ago.

The grey-spotted kiwi was walking around, but it was too dark for a picture without a flash.



A Morepork, and an Oystercatcher.



Some very interesting ducks and Paradise Ducks.



Keas, up close.



A Black stilt, Oystercatcher behind, and a Shore Plover.