Some of the signs are apparent;the rugby season is over bar the photos and presentations(ignoring the World Cup of course), the mornings are lighter earlier, and I cannot sleep beyond 6-30, and the Kiwis say it is here because we have reached September. Never mind the tilt of the earth, the equinox and all that.
It is warmer and we did try to sit on the deck yesterday. The skies have been clear and things are looking up, that is, until the winds arrive.
Happy seasons.
Lunar Eclipse
Photo courtesy of New Zealand Herald.
Eleanor and I went outside briefly to take a look, but it was windy, cold and cloudy, so the enthusiasm to stay outside was low. We saw the moon when it was a partial eclipse without the added colour.
That is the trouble with winter. Plenty of darkness to enjoy the sky but too cold.
Sporting Success
Eleanor’s last netball game of the season was on Saturday, and she finally enjoyed victory. It was the team’s second win of the season, though she had missed the other one as we were on the big trip up north. It was a good game to watch, competitive and balanced. Eleanor played well. The final score I think was 14-10. So now she is away from the team sports for a few months, unless her netball passion is so great that she plays indoor during the summer.
Joe was not so successful with regard to the team, but apparently played a good game himself with plenty of big tackles and ball carrying efforts. This was acknowledged with a few parental pats on the back after the match. Nice one! Only one more game before the parents enjoy six weeks off before the summer season kicks off.
In touch with Shakespeare
Last weekend we went to see some action from the bard, as laid on by the RSC, with the top notch bods being imported.
Most well known was Ian McKellen playing the lead in King Lear. The fool was played by Sylvester McCoy, known for playing the Doctor. We bought the not so cheap tickets months ago, and did some homework before going, checking out the plot. We have never seen Lear before or read it. Though the tickets were pricey we had seat as far at the back of the upper circle as it is possible to go. We could still see and hear the action, but with all those bodies, and consequent heat, it was very hot at the back. As such, concentration was hard to maintain at ties and Sara had a period of eye closure.
I enjoyed the play, though quite complicated, and with lots to follow.
Despite being so far from the stage we were still able to get a good view of Lear’s man piece when in his madness he throws off his clothes. Quite remarkable!
Mind the Gap
Nearly Off
Not too long until we jump in the taxi, and then fly lots of miles in our attempt to hasten global climate change. A topic for heated discussion?
Sport on today as usual. The Quirkes managed to make a record-2 competitors and 3 loses!
Eleanor played an extra game for another team an lost in that one as well.
Nice clear but cold day for sport.
Looking forward to some sunshine-I do hope.
Anyway, got to go. Have to watch Shaz pack the suitcases.
Busy as…..
A family trying to sort out packing suitcases, new ones by the way, still has many things to keep abreast of.
So today we have to hand in Joe’s project for the school science fair, Isaac has to go to school as an Egyptian, and Eleanor has a ballet exam. Toooooooo much.
Photo courtesy of Joe.
Music
Isaac is now on the “concert” trail.
Last night he had his first performance in the school library. He has been learning keyboard piano since February, and so he and the other learners gave a demonstration to keen parents and co-musicians.
The first of many events?
Dragon Breath
The weather is cooling. Maybe it is fortunate wew are off to seek winter sun.
It was cold last night, especially when the covers have been taken off your back!
The upside was the beautiful clear sky, with orange colours of the sunrise, and the light clouds hanging over the harbour.
I used my Balaclava on the bike today-remember those. Last one I had was green and knitted by my Mum.
61-10
Le jeu etait tres mauvais. L’argent a la toilette.
Yes there was a partial family trip to the sporting non-event of the year yesterday. Shaz, Joe and myself dutifully went to the game a the Cake Tin last night.
The stadium was full, and our “cheap” seats were low level, at midway and close to the action.Our view was a little obscured by the Sky tv camera and the players lined up on the benches. The atmosphere was reasonable for NZ and so were hopeful for a good game.
It quickly became apparent that the game was not going to be up to scratch. It became tedious to watch, being one sided so much. I doubt it was much use to either side to assess the state of their teams, and certainly a downer for the paying public. The NZRU , press and everyone and his dog has been banging on here about countries sending below strength teams, and with justification. This “tour” has been a waste, and just sucks money out of the public, mugs like me. It cannot augur well for the health of international rugby.
Last night I felt like leaving at half-time, and spent the second half thinking about getting up early on Sunday morning, to go to work, to try to cover the cost of the “fun night out”-about $270 all in.
I think I would have enjoyed the lie in more.