Author: migrant

A quote from John Naughton’s blog discussing LSE in particular, and universities in general, and their need to tap into donor funding streams. The article is primarily about Gaddafi.

Last night there was quake in Wellington, it measured 4.5, but was a way off. We felt it and there was a significant jolt to the house, but only lasted about 5 seconds. It was a topic on coversation in work places today- as the potential implications of events heighten awareness.

It is difficult to appreciate the impact of the Christchurch earthquake from here. Live is normal, the busses are running, there is water and power and we all still go to school and work.

The pictures in newspapers and tv, as well as the personal interest stories still fail to impart the real effect for those affected. It still feels unreal, in that the scenes you see are ones one usually associates with other parts of the world.

Today there was a national 2 minutes silence. I listened to a trumpeter play “Amazing Grace” in the park across the road, while Eleanor went to the steps of Parliament, where they sang the National Anthem.

Work is involved in ensuring Pacific people in Christchurch receive all the appropriate messages and access the services. So it is a lot of work for those in the communication team in particular.

There is a long way to go for those in Christchurch.

So the little fellah makes it to eleven.

Yesterday was Isaac’s birthday, which he seems to have enjoyed no end.

He was up early and opened his presents-cool t-shirt, cool shorts, and a new watch-so grown up!
He then tucked into his birthday cake-merangue topped sponge with lemon curd filling. Apparently, the best cake sara has ever made.

In the afternoon we went to the waterfront to enjoy the sun and picture beautiful Wellington.Mo (MBE of is it OBE?) flew in from the UK for the occasion (sort of).

Dad was the best Dad in the world when he and Isaac had a ride on the peddoloes. Even better than the cake apparently.

In the evening it was dinner for six at Portofino. Eleanor had finished work, Joe has finished cricket, and so both were able to participate. The surroundings were better than the food? Isaac was very satisfied with his lot.

Dad fell down on the job by forgetting the camera-so no pics!

Christchurch today. Big shock, worse than the one in September it appears. Also, during the day this time.

Wellington awaits its turn?

I think it is worth highlighting a few items from the merry-go-round weekend.

• Sara came out of her dungeon and is “free” until feedback is received on her writing
• On Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a BBQ and pool party. Obviously not at our house as the pool is not on the horizon. It was a scorcher, and must have been 25C
• Saturday as cricket day, and was it Isaac’s best yet?After a diappointing start with the bat, he bowled three good overs giving the batsmen plenty of trouble. He took a wicket in his first over, had two other chances dropped and ended with 1 for 3. He also executed a lovely run out with a direct hit from square leg. His POD certificate was well deserved.
• Joe’s cricket team had a “rum old game” being bolwed out for 75 but taking the oppo to 7 wickets for their win, with Joe also throwing the stumps down for a run out.

The sunshine continues, and all are happy!

The circada noise is huge at the moment. The boys and girls (not sure if both do) are making constant noise at the moment.

Here is the sound courtesy of a video from out garden.

I have just watched this baby dock from our window. The Queen Elizabeth looks massive even from this distance. From the Dom Post:

This time of year is a parade of ships arriving, with the numbers increasing each year. Oh the maritime life.

I noticed the plethora of police motorbikes and cars on The Terrace this morning. On my stroll at lunchtime I saw the red carpet adorning the steps up to Parliament.

Presumably the Australian hairdressers are in tow.

So Eleanor is home, a fact that I have managed to overlook in the last two weeks since her return. Maybe that is because she has been so busy with school and her social life that it seems she is still not around?

She returned from Germany having had a great time, and was treated very well by all concerned. She made new friends, and experienced  grandparents. It cannot be all bad when you have a day trip to Austria for snow boarding, a week away in Switzerland for snow boarding and a  and a journey from West to East to experince Berlin. On her return it was straight back to school

And now she has a job. She is a waitress in a local cafe. She has done one proper session, and will be earning the minimum wage.She is already moaning about the tax take.Where did I go wrong?  Maybe it is not surprising given the benefits of working  the baby sitting  black market.

Teenagers  having a job while at school is much more common here, but care will be needed that there are enough hours in  the week to fulfil all her responsibilities. Including the washing up at home.