Author: migrant

So, it is a while since I last wrote a post, but have been to busy doing stuff. I ahve not been doing interesting stuff like day trips to cricket, but day to day stuff that takes time.
Sport obviously ongoing, though it has been of a variable experience for the clan.
For two weeks I went to watch EQ play netball. She has never really played before, having done other things on Saturday mornings instead of team sports. She is in one of the lower school teams, decided upon after pre -season trials. There was a stuff up on the part of school, and her team was not put in a division, and so has played teams in a series of sorting matches. It has meant that they have played teams older and better girls, and taken some heavy thrashings, other than last week when they had a competitive loss.
Anyway she is learning, and despite the troubles enjoying her time. The exercise is good.
Joe’s team won yesterday, a good competitive game against a J’ville team. They played well and tackling and passing were part of the game. They have lost two games heavily to two other West’s teams, because they did not compete, tackle of show any sign of aggression-important factors. Last week they played wellas a team, but were well beaten by a ream who had a super star in the team, who Sara says was bigger than her, so a tricky person to tackle for the average 11 year old. Jo is doing ok, and we are working on his fitness. Speed I fear will never be part of his lexicon.

I myself will need to work on the fitness side of things before aged body takes me over.

More cheer soon.

Happy birthday to me.
It is the day after, and feeling ok. Another number crunches around the wheel of life.
After a mediocre day at the office I had a fun evening out. Firstly, we went to see EQ’s teachers and be told how wonderful she is,(one even offered to take her home), and then off to dinner and live music with the missus.
Lucky me.

Eleanor hits the teens, and here is a late post about it.
She played netball inthe morning with Mum in attendance. Another thrashing recieved, though I have it on good authority that she played well along with 2 of the other girls, though there appear to be otherwise be a few significant weak links in the team.
In the afternoon it was Mum and daughter shopping time-great fun I am sure.
The evening included atrip top “Monsoon Poon”, oriental food and then a trip to the stadium en famille to see a terrible Super 14 game, thankfully for those masochists, the last of the season for the Canes.
Happy Birthday.

A reader corresponds
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ANZAC Day here, an official holiday and remembrance.
We went to the Wellington dawn service again. The big knobs I expect are at ANZAC Cove in Turkey.
Hayley Westenra sang the national anthem.
There was a conscientious objectors protest which caused a bit of stir when the police moved in after I think they burnt the NZ flag. A bloke was whining about being assaulted and his freedom of speech as he was lead off with his female companion in tow. Absolutely no street cred. If you want to protest at that sort of occasion then do so with your banners, but to do more and then complain when you get man-handled off is a sign of tosserness.
Bad photo of banding marching off.

Our first Saturday morning back on the rugby circuit. A change of shirt colour this year as they ran out of blue shirts. A good thing anyway as they have to play three other Western Suburb teams during the season.
They played MSP and won a tight one 17-15. Joe was prop….no surprise there then.
A new pair of boots for the season , which Joe is in love with. I am not sure sure myself. A bit too “Beckhamesk” for me.
mesaage form the game. He needs to work on fitnesss…no surprise there, and more aggression. More big tackles needed.

A trip to watch the big boys play this afternoon. Wests lost to MSP.
For throse in the know Craig was playing-in desperate need of a haircut.
Lome Fa’attuu playing for MSP, and david `smith of the “Canes” came on for Wests.
MSP won a tight game 9-3. Joe is now a Wests supporter of course so someone will need to work hard on the Catholic angle to win him back over to MSP.

Friday night was my first trip to the stadium for nearly a year. A super 14 game on a cold evening to watch an underperforming team play and lesser quality South African team. An evening yhat required the donning of thermal lng johns and tee shirt, plus other layers, topped off with a ski jacket and hat. The game was reasonable, but lacked excitement, and the below par crowd of about 15 thousand watched quietly. Joe enjoyed the game-maybe more for just being there, and having a hotdog and Fanta. Hurricanes won and officially are still in the running for the semi-finals. I cannot see it myself.
So then onto Saturday. we went to watch a club game at the Basin Reserve, that icon of New Zealand cricket. OBU were playing Wainuiomata. A bright and warm sunny day. As ever I enjoyed this level of game more than the Super14. Close up to the action and direct play. It was one sided so lost its attraction after a while.
Of note was Jimmy Gopperth coming on in the second half for OBU, having come off the bench the night before to play 1st 5/8th for the “Canes”. Apparently Conrad Smith was watching on the side with Paul Tito, according to Joe.
Isaac actually watched bits of the game when he was not asking for “spin arounds“.
Happy autumn.

So she has been to the flicks with the lad-a film with lots of dancing. I presume her choice and that he is a compliant lad.
Caught sight of him later when I had to drop EQ off to give him his key back..I think a ploy to extend day’s fun.
Anyway looked like a typical youth; beany on his head,wearing a grin and sports jacket. On the positive side a surprisingly good complexion.

Well, we’ve been so lucky with the weather

Autumnal weather more like summer; a message to those with time to travel.

A lovely long weekend, with sea and boats to travel on, swimming and snorkelling, then beer, wine and BBQ time.
Early to bed after watching the stars. Three great nights for the stars, clear skies and no one else around with their light pollution.

We are off to the Marlborough Sounds tomorrow morning until Monday. Off to J&L’s land, via a ferry ride to Picton and then a thirty minute trip on their boat. They stay in the shed, we camp in a tent. It is secluded and beautiful. Thankfully, the weather forecast looks good, with mainly sunshine, and 20C. Happy autumn.
The truth will be known on Tuesday.