Summer sport


Isaac had his first game of cricket, U8, for the Onslow Bankots.
He was th only one in white kit, as all “hand me downs” from his brother.
He was greeted by freezing weather, 9C, and southerly wind. One lad had to be taken off as he had gone blue with the cold.
Isaac was under the impression he was the best bowler, though hard to come to that conclusion, with him spraying the ball about.
He scored 4 runs, being run out, apparently not really grasping the rules as yet.

The team won, so he was happy.

Joe also started the season though did not see much action. The opposition were bowled out quickly and so did not have the chance to turn his arm over, and he did not succeed with the bat. An emphatic team win, in no way attributable to the tactics of the coach.

Photography

As you may be aware I have been doing a photography course this year-pushing myself along.
It is end of semester time and so work has to be handed in. Here is my documentary project, for those interested. This is the format I will be handing in, which just happens to be convenient.
I had to do another project, which I printed out. I will convert to web format and put that up in due course.

Culture vultures

Hello darlings! We have been to the opera again to stimulate our artistic bones. this time (as we are regulars) it was Turandot . The story is beautiful and magnetic princess has suitors answer riddles, if correct they win her, if not they win a meeting with the executioner. A prince comes along, is bewitched by her, and gets the riddles right, but in order to win her over, gives her the chance to escape the pact, if she finds his true identity. She does this by torture, and keeping the city awake overnight, nessun dorma ,to find the answer.

It was a great evening, the production, set was so well done. The music was good, much better in action, than listening to a CD. I like the rest of the audience loved that football anthem.
A very worthwhile trip, even with my student discount, and expensive one.
The audience were not young, I suppose a consequence of the cost.

I am looking forward to the next chance to further my operatic education.
Bye for now lovies.

Sporting day

We were up 5 minutes beforethe kick off. Settled down with cofee in hand to watch the game. A “game for the purists” I was told later inthe day. I have to agree. Still great viewing if not open, come basketball rugby. A tense finish, though England showed cool heads, no panic apparent from this distance. I am looking forward to the final-“I’ve never met a nice south african…….”-tv show of the 80s.
In contrast, Dad took Joe to watch the Kiwis play the Kangeeroos at the stadium. It was a drubbing and painful to watch. The Kiwis may have won the national anthems-but nothing else.
It was so bad I left 15 minutes before the finish-even Joe did not put up much of a fight. I should have watched in tv and saved $43.

Friday

My optimism regarding Spring has gone-it has been chucking it down all week, windy and cold. I should have known, as the cricket season is just around the corner.
I am again thrust into the role of coach for Joe’s team. To the doubters of how appropriate that is, I will say-” I was not out, I did not touch it!”. Last seasons coach has moved on, as his son is in the selected team, so the baton is passed back to me. Not too many people falling over themselves to do it apparently. It should be easier than in the past in any case, as some the more difficult kids( and parents?) have moved to other teams or given up completely.

Go England!
ps. Lost money on the TAB last week-went for wins for NZ, Australia, SA and Argentina accumulator. However, got the quarter final predictions fo Air New Zealand Cup(provincial rugby) correct, and reduced losses.
Still thinking about betting on world cup semis-head over heart?

Shocker

It is Sunday and the ABs lost!
Today has been tiring, staying up late to watch England conquer the Aussies against expectations, and then up again, though not on time, to watch France play the ABs. I fully expected England to lose, and France to be well beaten.
The weather here has been awful today, with rain, wind and thunder and lightning. I think in keeping with the mood of the country. The inquest has started and blame is beginning to be apportioned.
It will be interesting here in the next few days, come weeks.The national psyche has been injured again.

Come on England!

Sunday Fun

So, big exercise trip did not happen but the family did have it fun. M&D and the boys went to Eastbourne for a walk along the beach. A classic Wellington day, with choppy seas, wind through the hair, if you have some. As the forecast said, the strong winds came along, to walk back to the coffee shop. It then began to rain-the full house, other than me losing(and finding) the car keys on the beach.
All deserved hot chocolate, coffee and cake at the Chocolate Dayz at Days Bay. Isaac impressed us with his definition of exhilarating, and Mum was cheesy saying how “alive” it all made he feel.
And the day goes on. As I type it is half-time of the Rugby League Grand Final-great tv, great event. Score 10-4 Melbourne over Manly. Quality league though some may think it a dull game.
Must go-Ray Warren is back on.

Spring revisited

The clocks have gone forward here today, now 12 hours difference with UK.
The bad weather has returned, with cold and the wind. It all makes it more difficult to sustain the exercise regime, but today T&S have been out for runs, Joe has been on his bike. Eleanor however is nowhere to be seen, being on a sleepover, and so watching videos ad nauseam. Isaac will be going for a walk at the beach en famillie.
The planned trip to Oriental Bay again was canned with expected gusts of 120Km/hour.

PS. The website has been updated with new photos.