Me Here and You There

Appeasing Grumpy Relatives dah de dah

2010-12-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

Our Thames Petanque group. A very happy and cooperative group of people who have banded together for the ease and comfort we seem to enjoy together as much as having a good game - and planning strategies most foul.

We started about three and a half years ago from a trial get together of petanque and lawn croquet players. Outsiders are a tad surprised at the names we call each other, and the shouts of victory or abuse. But there has been no actual violence.

As such. Tying the victor to a picket fence and pelting him with boule does not actually involve any bodily contact. Peltees can buy their freedom, nay, their life, for a flat white. This also has the advantage of cutting down funeral costs. It also avoids digging a hole in a perfectly good terrain, filling in forms, appeasing grumpy relatives dah de dah.

Aswan

2010-12-11T05:44:00.001-08:00

We're in Aswan, and relaxing. And of course, I have caught the trip cold/sore throat/cough. Just today, so I've spent the day in bed. Otherwise, we've had a great trip, I think. We drove into Aswan yesterday. Such a lovely drive. The desert gets very close to the road and the houses become more part of the landscape. They are most unpainted, with some exceptions, and some of them make use of Nubian architecture, with rounded roofs and decorative brickwork at the top of the walls. They almost all have satellite dishes, though. Even the smallest and meanest of them.

Luxor was lovely. It's always one of the biggest places we visit in terms of sites and guiding at the sites. This year we've been particularly lucky with our guides - last year's guide was a buffoon and wrong for the type of trip we have, but this year's have been quiet and have just been lovely people. I don't know if I mentioned previously that Jeremy Armstrong, one of my colleagues, has come along. He is one of the Romanists in the department, and we're setting up a complementary trip to Rome to run in alternate years. He's here to see how it's done and we've been discussing all kinds of options regarding content and integration between the two time periods. It's been great fun. He's got great ideas about how this can be better in terms of studying all eras of Egyptian history, pharaonic, Greek, Roman, and Arab. It'll take a while to set up, I think, but it could be a really interesting course, in the end.

Speaking of Luxor, they're working on turning the entire city into an open air museum. They've begun this by razing the houses over top of an ancient avenue of sphinxes. They have plans to raze almost everything up to the train station, including the souk (market bazaar). It means that the landscape of the city has already changed. Favourite shops and cafes are gone or moved to the outer rim of the city. I can't see how they're going to move the souk, but they've taken down an enormous amount already. People get money to move from places they've lived in sometimes for generations, but it can't be enough. And some of them are living in places with very cheap rents (like 5LE a month = $1 CDN, $1.25 NZD), and will have to move to places with rents of 2000LE a month. It's very hard.

Okay, I'm going back to bed now. Sorry for the lack of pictures, but the wifi here is slow as molasses in either January or June, depending where you live. We'll be homes soon, anyway. I apologize for the lack of posts on this. I had planned to have more but ...

Only 381 days...

2010-12-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

Thames stoically bears the throb of eager Christmas shoppers and bargain hunters. Only 381 days until the next Christmas, have a quiet ale and start planning now.

Talented young guitarist shows promise

2010-12-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

Hi, you might remember me. I think Hilary took this photo at Barry Brickell's. Hot summer days here now. Many a time I've leapt into the local creek. Quite cool, very refreshing. My sins are washed away. So I spring out and start sinning some more.
Major work about the garden by 'er Ladyship. I fetch, carry and take bags down to the tip.
I have started relearning classical guitar. After a gap of about forty years. Love it even though I sound like a child practising.

Our petanque group still going well. We had our end of year lunch up the coast in a 'water garden'. I would like to take your Mum up there when she comes to visit. Excellent restaurant - not too expensive and good food. A delightful water lily pond. There are walks as long or as short as you like. but on a sunny day a good trip up the coast.
I don't think we'll need you to chaperone Jen. You can stay in the car and I'll give you a colouring in book and some crayons. I don't want to see smears or naughty words written on the windows either thank you.

Mom Here

2010-12-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Love,

HilaryLouise has put me on the right track for getting through to you because I am old and of course a little bit fuzzy. However, I have been keeping track of you with great interest and am looking forward to Christmas.

Lots of love,

Minya

2010-12-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

So, we're in Minya, in Middle Egypt. I thought we might be the only foreigners in the city, when lo and behold, the dining room this evening was full of them. British. All elderly. One old woman in a flowery muumuu-type dress (and in no position to talk fashion) accosted one of the students, Mark, for not wearing shoes to dinner. I have to say, I'm up in arms about this. I felt like lambasting her, but Mark asked me not to. Honestly, it was incredibly rude of her. What business is it of hers who wears what to dinner? Old biddy. She probably has 17 cats. (That's Mark, to the left.)

The journey thus far - Alexandria was lovely, but I think I mentioned that. Did I mention we went to El Alamein War Cemetery? It's extremely important for the New Zealanders, as it was a decisive battle in which they played a vital role, and in which they lost more men than in any other battle of WW II. Profoundly moving for me. So many very young men, lost.

Cairo was, as usual, very full of day trips and student talks. Most of them were very good. Meidum, the Fayuum, Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Dahshur, Saqqara (in no particular order). I'm still seeing things I have never seen before at these places. We left Cairo this morning for Minya and saw, on the way, Beni Hasan. Middle Kingdom (12th Dynasty) tombs of nomarchs, who were like governors of provinces. Beautifully decorated tombs. They show scenes of daily life not seen elsewhere, such as groups of wrestlers showing various wrestling holds, hunting scenes, transportation of a sarcophagus... Fascinating. I love this site. It's high up on a hill, and it's quiet. Not many visitors, so we usually have the place to ourselves. Peaceful.

Tomorrow morning, we're on our way to Luxor, via Amarna, the capital city of Akhenaten. It, too, is off the beaten track, and while it might look desolate to some, it is beautiful and serene. Even if the king who built the city was a first-class fruitcake.

One of the things I like the best about this trip is that there are so many good friends travelling together. We have such a good time, laughing and chatting and discussing the sites. It couldn't be more satisfying. Sometimes, it is stressful for me, particularly if one of the students gets really sick, but generally it is one hell of a lot of fun.

I'm having some trouble uploading pictures to this - it's taking FOREVER, so I'll leave it at the one I've put up for now. Hopefully, the connection will be better elsewhere. Although wifi in all the rooms in Middle Egypt is pretty amazing. I actually skyped with Weezie yesterday from Cairo.

I'm heading to bed and sleep. How are you all doing?

All is well in St. Albert

2010-11-29T09:32:00.001-08:00

Hi Jen,

I am doing well even though I got a case of Thrush. Yeast infection for the throat. MM fun. I also had another infection under the thrush that I am now just getting rid of. On a good note my appetite is back with a vengeance so I am eating up a storm. Well sort of my stomach has shrunk so what is a storm to me is just a snack to you I think. Codi keeps tapping me to say hello to you. So MEAOW to you from Codi.

I am so glad to hear that you had a good visit to Alexandria. I wish that I could be with you this trip. 2013 here we come! I talked to my Dr. and she said that once I am declared clear of cancer then there should be no problem with travel insurance. Made me very happy to hear.

I still have my hair but I have been told it will start this week to fall out. Mike shaved his head last week and I love it. He says he looks goofy but I think it is sexy.

Have to run now but just wanted to say that I love you and I am fine.

Love Weezie

All okay

2010-11-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

So, we're in Cairo, having weathered Alexandria very well. Above is the view from our rooftop breakfast area. The Mediterranean, with the ancient entrance to the harbour (the white line at the horizon). Gorgeous. It was a good trip there. Unlike previous ventures, it was orderly and fun.

You may have heard that there are parliamentary elections here. These were today. Elections in Egypt can be very contentious affairs, with riots in the streets and general violence. There were 41 arrests while we were in Alex, and today you may have heard that one of the candidates was stabbed, another killed in Aswan... We haven't seen any violence, but we have seen some gathering of police in anticipation of it. The stabbing was apparently personal, not political. We haven't yet been able to find out about Aswan and what happened down there. Thus, things are relatively quiet. We're monitoring the situation, and won't let the students wander far, should things look worse tomorrow morning.

We had a very long day today - we visited the Fayuum and Meidum. Both are close together, but are about 1.5 hours south of Cairo. The Fayuum visit was to see an ongoing excavation by both diggers from the University of Auckland and from UCLA and Rijksuniversitiet Groningen in Holland. It's run by Willeke Wendrich, who I first met at Abu Sha'ar the first time I dug in Egypt, so we've known each other for a long time. She's now at UCLA. We were given a tour of her Roman site, Karanis. The wind was fierce but there was cloud all day, which made it a little muggy. Not what you expect in the desert. The site itself is a very large town site, and it was excellent to have a guide, Angela, from the dig. She showed us all around, and it was fascinating. I've perhaps stupidly agreed to teach a week of Roman Egypt for a Roman history course at university in the second semester of next year, so I was paying particular attention. I know nothing about Roman Egypt, so it should be interesting, I reckon.

I'm going to hit the hay now. Fighting the wind is tiring. All is well. I'll let you know if anything changes, and I'll post again when I can.

Love, Jen.

Bill's Pen Friend Found !

2010-01-31T17:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Jen: we have located Bill’s pen friend. He lives on a farm in the Karangahake Gorge. You may not know but the two have been sending ‘txt’ messages for some time – on your account, Bill has figured out your password. Took the grandchildren to this same ‘Bullswool Farm’ where rabbits, deer, ponies, calves, a kunikuni pig, puppies and geeselets abound.

“Poppa I want one”.
Pictured is Mag with a plastic feeder and although presently sharing it with Bill’s pen friend this feeder has been excellent in preventing Mag dripping her Magnums down her front.
We hope you agree an alpaca would add lustre and surprise to The Grove. Your bed has been relocated - don’t mention it we’re pleased to help – moved to the balcony to accommodate our new guest. I am teaching Bill to warble Starry Starry Night on his ukulele.

Rain. First rain for some time. No morning walk for Robby Duncan and Minnie who have been in and out of the house moaning. Dripping and whining. I ride bikes, bake bread, learn French, I don’t do rain. We welcome the rain. Endless, delightful hot days, we swim in the Kauaeranga River. Gardens are parched. Local dairy farms drying up

~ oops a wet Minnie just now has leapt onto my back, clawed her way over to my lap – the webcam has caught the brat.
Still raining. Shuddup Dunkles!

Many guests and family have called in. Laughter, red wine, more laughter, dishes, dishes and the twice yearly visit to The Barry Brickell Railway. Last visit was Kathy from London. Hence the picture of the garden sculpture.

And you’ll remember the Coromandel view. The (your) Book Group are the first to have a daytime visit by Thames Noise Control who beat their path past chainsaws and motor mowers to moderate the Book Group's guffawing and hilarity. My Florentines are an improvement on last year's and this year, on our back deck table (the old garage door) only one set of dentures clamped around a particularly tacky but fine florentine.

So it’s good wishes from Thames, fare thee well
And farewell from me.
And Mag, and Robby Duncan and Minnie.

And it’s Back to The Colonies

2009-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Summer. Summer in The Colonies. Foreigners strolling, cycling. Germans, West-Islanders (Australum / Australis? It’s off the Orkies coast) even Canadians. Gawd knows how they get through Customs. I have swum in the creek. Lying in the lazy sun I read The Search for the Perfect Language (U. Eco) ~ well, bronzing my Adonis self actually in preparation for sister Hilary’s visit. I mow the lawns. Cheerfully. Using a hand mower (organic mower). Long warm days, slow sunsets. Mornings bristling with Pohutukawa

I have produced my last newsletter for the year. Taken part in about six music groups, the last our carol singing outside the old St James Church. Took me back to my childhood. Yes, six days a week Presbyterians sing the Devils music, Sundays us Pagans join them to sing carols. Thames is small, carol singers play petanque, attend Heritage meetings and chatter at our Probus committee and write poetry. Next year I’m lined up to be president, some dismay at my dropping the newsletter. In fact the year has had its stress. While I enjoy what I do it all happens in too short a space of time

Mag’s final day at work today and the staff quite upset. A grand morning tea, and Mag of course put in extra hours to leave all ship shape. God help cataloguing. She has mixed feelings, thirty eight years now the exhaustion of Christmas. Planting herself in the garden provides rewards all round.

We had a recent spontaneous water feature in Shanty Town. A combination of my not checking the shower drain and possibly Andy’s ‘wrestling in mud’ post-match shower. Naturally the poor girl denies this. Yes, all students have to earn money, I have clear, nay, hazy, memories of hawking my own young body about the more select public bars and gambling dens – I got a bite too. Remind me Jen, to show you my bite mark when you get back.

Yes a water feature in Shanty Town. Droplets droppleting from the downstairs light fittings. Seen one drop you’ve seen ‘em all. Like last time, flick a light switch and you’re outlined in blue. This time there was Bill. Your lay-about son. I drive from Thames to do ‘fixing’ wearing my fix-the-bloody-plumbing clothing and lugging a suction cup with a hearty piece of fencing wire. I’m in a harry.
Scene l: your son starts chirruping from our bedroom. Wants to unravel his thoughts. Scene ll: One hand clutching suction cup and the wire, other hand ends up as a pillow while he purrs his whiskery head off, me in my fix-the-bloody-plumbing clothing. Scene ll does go on a bit.

Photos: Robby Duncan is waxing anxious over the progress in his Christmas shopping, Minnie finds Coro just plain boring. Both are growing, good mates and people chuckle as we meander our morning walks. Minnie does an excellent Tasmanian Devil stance when new cats forget the introductory formalities.

An entourage, a visit, to my ‘dancing’ sister Monique, with daughter Margaret, Isabella, Jessica and Benjamin. ‘Aunty’ arranged Very Special Clothes across the furniture. We talked of elegance and hopes of an ungiggling fashion parade. Aunty and Poppa retired, waiting, waiting, and talked of when we too were small, and we hid under the bed saying dirty words where our mother couldn’t hear us. Now I present to you Italian models –Isabella and Jessica (Baby Benjamin snored).
Jen you know that pout when I, with my faster male brain, scoop the last muffin, we could work on that. Not the muffin, the pout. A future for you Jen. Stock and station agents need a front woman. A model. Farmers’ raincoats, hats, gumboots driving tractors, standing in the friggin rain drenching. I could be your agent. What tiger has done for the ‘off the course’ industry you could do for the ‘in the field’. Forget the pyramids – all so last year – pyramid selling my girl!

Today my best ever bread. Wholemeal / white flour & sun flower seeds. Nearly blew a main bearing needing it. Light and airy. Fresh, hot, excellent with Mag’s recent plum jam (from trees out the front). Breakfast these sun bright mornings are on our front porch. Locals saunter by, cats play, I lick the jam from my fingers, summer in The Colonies

Whew

2009-12-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

The time has rushed by so quickly I've hardly seen it pass. My apologies for the tardiness of this post. It's close to the time I leave for Edmonton - I fly out on Wednesday morning, early. The picture above is one of the first snow storm of the season. The snow can be seen flying past the trees. It didn't dump too much, and most of it is now gone, but it's still snow. Mom has said that they have tons of snow out west and that the temperatures are generally in high minus 20's, with wind chills of -40C. Can't wait.

So, what's been happening? Not much, really, except life. I try to go in to the university library, Robarts, as often as I can, but generally it's only about 3 times a week. I'm distressed at the amount of work that hasn't got done, which isn't conducive to doing more, oddly enough. I stress about it without settling in. I will have an article done by the time I leave, and a book review, so those are something, anyway.

I've kept up with revisiting old Toronto haunts, which is marvellous. I've eaten at most of my favourite restaurants more than once - Saigon Palace, with no. 34 (noodles, with BBQ pork and a Vietnamese egg roll), Swiss Chalet (quarter chicken dinner with baked potato - despite the name, completely Canadian), Country Kitchen (Hungarian wiener schnitzel with cucumber salad and mashed potatoes)... Oh my. AND I've found a fantastic second-hand bookstore that has provided me with a book I've looked for for over 20 years ($20, and online, it's as much as $650...really). And then there's Book City, which is perhaps one of my favourite bookstores in the world. It just feels good. Kind of like Timeout, in Mt Eden. I've been to several movies. I've met up with old friends and just hung out, gone for coffee. I've been to a conference at the Royal Ontario Museum (another great book score found there). I've felt like a grad student again, just researching and following every intellectual alleyway that took my fancy. I've helped Carrie selling at her shows when she couldn't be there. I've looked after the kids. I've made jewellery and a voodoo doll at craft days we have here in the house. I've met Carrie's friends, who are wonderful, funny women - they'd fit in perfectly in Book Club.

I've done a lot of stuff, and now I'm ready to go see Dad and Hilary over Christmas and New Year's, then Mum for a couple of days after that, back here, where I'll go visit friends in Welland on the Bruce Peninsula of the Great Lakes, and then another weekend, visit Montréal to visit family. I'll be sending packages to the department, of books, stuffed toys, dvds and cds, clothes, .... It's time to settle down. I really miss New Zealand. I'll be happy to come home and get back to my life again. It really does feel like I've had an enormous time-out, though, and I love the warmth and company of my family, and it's felt like I've been wearing an enormous comforting blanket, just what I've needed, I think. Every time I wish I had more downtime, more silence, more space, I remind myself how much I'll miss it when I'm back home, and something in me settles down and enjoys the chaos and the noise and the energy and being woken by the kids laughing in the morning and the spontaneous hugs and the pictures the kids draw for me and the great discussions and conversations we grown-ups have. I'm squirreling away tactile and emotional memories for later.

I hope you both have a great Christmas and New Year's Eve. I will do my best to write in this again before then, so perhaps I should send the best wishes of the season, without being specific. Take good care, the both of you. I'm looking very forward to seeing you both again.

Happy Birthday Jen

2009-11-07T00:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jen. Happy birthday from all of us here in the Colonies, the Current Chick, Robby Duncan and Minnie. Hugely looking forward to your return so that you can take me out to a classy restaurant of your choice to celebrate your birthday. Promise I won’t stand on the table, sing, nor beg for food from the other tables.

Tonight we had strawberries for dessert, fresh, large and very tasty with cream and icing sugar. An enormously large and sunny day all day. Summer is a winkling in. It has been the worst and grumpiest winter of my life. I still have a bit of a wheeze but have been taking out my bike, walking every day and feeling so much fitter. Have been for a couple of plunges in the Kauaeranga river – bracing. I mean it’s really mid spring ~ I twinkled out with a spring in my step.

Sorry for delay in responding to your blog, my computer had a fatal dose of digital swine flu, I had to rebuild the whole system. Unwittingly on a faulty hard disk that flopped so done it all again. Bother. Woe is me, ‘scuse filthy language.

Love your pictures. I had that feeling of being a part of that scenery – the water – felt privileged wonderful images.

Top pictures taken last weekend. We had P & M from Wellington stay with us and we went for a walk about the foreshore adjacent to our petanque terrain ( I beat Avis last week). At the far end, the terns, huge numbers of terns were wheeling and chortling in the sun – above that old wharf. The old wharf our rating system is still paying off long after it passed its useful life and became silted up. On the far side, the Miranda side of the Firth the godwits cluster, thousands of them having migrated back ‘home’ from Siberia, and almost under your feet at high tide.
The bottom picture was made by grand daughter Jessica while perched up at a table in the Atomic during Poppa’s visit. It gives you a fine and accurate update of our Robby Duncan and Minnie. Both now go for morning walks, wheedling under bushes, whisking up trees and gawking at Scarlatti. Scarlatti don’t give much of a fig, he just keeps on chomping. Minnie stretches herself to a thin sliver of a thing and peers over the top of the grass awe struck the Almighty should make a creature that is neither dog, nor rabbit, bird, mouse, cat nor moth. Only the Good Lord knows why he made Scarlatti.

Our End of year Poetry night on the 27th Nov. Also singing in two, maybe three groups at the Local Talent concert in the old St Georges Church. One of the groups is my ukulele ladies (girls I call ‘em). They have made excellent progress in the six months we have been going.
9.30pm,

Minnie asleep beside me, Dunkles mongering outside for moths. Time for bed.
Happy birthday.
.d

Got the cold...

2009-10-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hello, peeps. So, I have the cold I was catching last weekend. It took its own sweet time to arrive, and it has yet to reach a peak. I've spent the past couple of days in bed, because it's made me feel like death microwaved, and snuffly to boot. With a weird heaviness in my throat. I'm not sure what that's all about, but it's annoying.

Yesterday I took the bull by the horns, and stopped all the applications I had been doing on Facebook. They took up so much of my time that it was ridiculous. I am not tied as closely to the interwebs, and I've been feeling more human every minute. Despite the cold, which just generally makes everyone feel like a sack of shit in a cheap suit, you'll pardon the expression.

Poppy, the bunny, hasn't been out of her hutch much lately. (Yes, I noticed the rhyme, but have decided to ignore it.) She needs more out time, but she will insist on chewing through electrical cords and on upholstery and just every damn thing. It's very hard to keep a constant, vigilant eye on her - you never know what will tickle her tastebuds next. But she does these gorgeous little bunny hops in the air when she's feeling the breeze of freedom and happiness running in her veins, and that only happens when she's out. So, tomorrow, I'll take time to let her out and watch over her. Everyone needs that breeze regularly.

I've been reading Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden. Giller Prize 2009. It is lovely. Very Canadian, and so gently written, despite some violence. Easy to see why it was given the Giller's thumbs-up. I sent a mini-review of mine own to the book group in NZ, and several of the members wrote back that they'd never heard of the Giller. Someone also remarked that it was likely that Canadians had never heard of the Montana Book Award, either, and that that was a sad thing. It IS a sad thing. These winners are generally well worth the time spent reading them, and they deserve world-wide audiences. I don't know if news of the G-Gs makes it down there - I haven't noticed press on it from the Herald, or other places. But of course, we all know about the Pulitzers and the Booker and the others from the US and the UK. Perhaps it might be a rewarding mission to discover the book awards in English-speaking countries, and read those awards' winners. Could start with the colonies. Easy enough to do via the interwebs, as is everything else, even Christmas shopping. Perhaps a new blog...

Speaking of Christmas shopping (did you see what I did there?), I think I'm going to do almost all of it online this year, from www.etsy.com. Handmade stuff, and the money goes right to the creator. Plus, I won't have to go out to buy things - it'll all get sent. Some really incredibly creative people out there. I love, love, love the way the interwebs have made that world closer, the world where beautiful things are being made, just because they're beautiful. Such constructive, imaginative, inspiring, ingenious people and they're all over the world. It's so heartening that it doesn't have to be destructive, doesn't have to involve violence. What a relief, I can tell you. I'm done with doom and gloom, and I'm all for sugar-coated sweetness and light and stars. Mostly, because lord knows, I have my dark corners, and I like them. They give me unexpectedness and they keep me grounded. But they don't include much laughter that comes from deep in the belly, and that is what life is about, peeps. Laughter and dance. Poppy would agree.

PS. about the cartoon above. Obviously, it's not by me. I got it from a site called imgfave.com, and now I can't find where I got it on the site, nor can I find the cartoonist. But I LOVE it. Reminds me of Emma Goldman, "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution." Go, Emma!!

Getting a cold...

2009-10-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm getting a cold, which shouldn't be a surprise, as Owen has one and Carrie is well on the way to having a doozie. The scratch in the back of my throat started this morning, and it hasn't gone away. I will nobly suffer through. Today was an early day, my first in a long while, it feels like. This getting up at 5:30 to catch the train is truly for the birds, but I have got some valuable work done, so that's good.

The weekend was kind of a write-off, unfortunately. Except that on Sunday, Tim, Finn, and I went on a walk in a nearby nature preserve by the lakefront. It was a truly beautiful day, with blue sky and cool air. Although not as cool as Tim feared. At one point, Finnie, having complained of being hot, said she was just glad Tim hadn't forced her into wearing her wooly hat. Her words. Tim and I snuffled quietly at her marvellous vocabulary. That is something I adore in both kids. They use unexpected words in quite wonderful ways (and correctly, too). Wonderful. We were all starving as we came home, so we stopped and got some lunch, which we took back to the house. We were so hungry that we dropped coats on the floor and rushed to the table to open the parcels. Delicious. I hesitate to say it was McDonald's, because it surely tasted like ambrosia.

I've been getting work done, although not nearly as much as I thought I would. I've nearly finished translating The Secret Name of Re, and will begin, at the end of the week, looking into writing commentary on it. I've heard from the Russians about the deadline for getting the article in, and it's March 23, 2010, so no rush there, although it's well on its way to being done.

The weather is slowly, slowly turning colder. There is now enough frost on the ground in the morning to last well into mid-morning and even noon. The forecast says rain for Wednesday on, but I don't believe forecasts that long in advance. We'll just wait and see. Mom and Dad have had snow in Edmonton, although it's gone by noon. Mom says it looks so dreary with all the green leaves left on the trees and the snow. The trees look so sad when that happens, and you feel they're freezing to death.

Well, I'm off to the bathroom, sorry, toilet, and then Vietnamese food and then winter coat shopping at Value Village. I bought one already, but really, it's too small. It does up, but with no room left over for bulky sweaters, and it'll just be too cold. It's really a beautiful coat, though - men's British overcoat, made of wool and cashmere. Gorgeous. Take good care. Thanks so much for the Bill pics, Dodes. Please give my love to Minnie-minn, and that RD rascal. Oh, and the humans can have some, too.

Survived the tsunami (& three cats)

2009-10-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

I got the glower
Nephew Bill launched himself onto my lap
I wanted to read - St Augustine, Thomas Aquinas with a side salad of mediaeval philosophers - but I got the glower. Bill was warm and he was purring his fluffy head off – he reckoned if I shuddup and kept still we’d both hear the hum of the planet. I could hear the clock tickin past my meal time. Mental note, when Jen gets home, heave myself into her lap and stare, with great unwaveringosity into her eyes. Have signed up to a night-school purring class.

It’s all right for you Jen flitting about them rock castles built by little green men and all past their use by date.

Later that night, after some fine folk music at the Atomic Café, catching up with old mates, I collapse in bed. Resolution 2. On Her return chuck four bags of flour, purring flour, onto Jen so she cannot turn, cannot breathe, so that she is transfixed in her cot.

Bill had a wonderful night thank you.

Andy had a night off, a night of peace, oh there was a cheery call to see if the little bludger had been fed.

No this is not a cat lover’s blog.

6.00am, Bill whimpering because he has not been fed for a week. Stuff katnuts down Bill, depart, drive, arrive in Thames, rubbydunkin going on. Rain. Minnie ankle taps the poor blighter.

This week in Thames: Tsunami warning. I cancel petanque, don’t want my 80 odd year old Avis washed up a tree. No tsunami. Petanque buddies whistle and jeer. Snow on Mt Te Aroha. Txt family in Auckland. Nobody believes me. TV news, snow on Mt Te Aroha.

Mental note, prepare camera for volcanic eruption, maybe a meteorite strike – oh buses on strike in Auckland, trains overloaded.
Bye, dodes

2009-10-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'm at home today, babysitting the two littlies. We had lunch, and I read some Holes (by Louis Sachar) which is REALLY getting good now - we're on Chapter 36 of 50. Then we had a dance party. It was fab. I put on my iPod dance mix and we danced up a storm. This is mostly for exercise for me, but the kids join in with glee and alacrity. We danced for about half an hour, and we twisted and we jumped and we jiggled and we jogged, and we had an airband, with Finnie on air guitar, Owen on air drums, and me on flashlight microphone. Then we went outside on the back porch to cool ourselves off. And THEN we came back in and Owen kindly danced to Mercy by Duffy for me as I snapped away, as Finnie, far too exhausted to do anything, just lay there while Owen danced over her. It totally, totally rocked. It was one of the best afternoons of my life. How can spending the afternoon dancing with my favourite-in-the-world 5-year-old and an 8-year-old be topped? Can't be done. I'll try to put photos in, but the dashboard is acting up a little, so we'll see how it goes.

The two cars of the household have both gone on the fritz, either in a big, no-way-am-I-going-to-start way or in a little, screw-with-your-head way. Thus, I'm spending time covering gaps in schedules and doing the best I can to be as helpful as I can. It feels so good to be able to do this, plus there's all the time I get to spend with above-mentioned littlies. And there's the peace and quiet... AND there's Poppy, the bunny. 'Nuf said.

The weather is beginning to turn just a little, although there are very few red or yellow leaves to indicate the onset of autumn. It's mostly green, but the air is cooler now and the sunshine less reliable. It's lovely and chilly at night, perfect for sleep.

Once the cars have been seen to, and I go back in to Toronto, I'm heading down to the second-hand bookstores to do some rummaging. I am stricken that Pages has closed, although it was a new-book bookstore. There's Abelard, second-hand, and that other one just past Abelard on Queen, the name of which I forget. And others. But first, I need to get more work done. I've been plugging away, but slowly, and I have the feeling that I'll need to get Faulkner's Concise Dictionary of Middle Egyptian. I have one in NZ, and didn't think I'd need it, but they've taken the several they had in the library and done heaven knows what with them. I have the Wörterbuch on Georgia, but it's almost too much information, it's so complete. Plus it's in German. Again, 'nuf said.

Well, I don't seem able to post pictures today. Perhaps another day. Thanks for yours, Dodes. It sounds idyllic and edenic to be in Thames with youse, and I LOVE the portrait. I'd have recognised you in a heart beat.

Love, Jen.

Boisterous Spring Weather

2009-10-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Yes the day has lots of boist. Wind up yer kilt and all that. Still managed a trip to the dump, have made a bit of space in our 'Day Room', a more pleasant place for them Canadians when they come to get beaten at petanque.

I took the picture - out side our public library - on a Sunday walk to the café. Much promise in the air, flowers, longer daylight hours, Robby Duncan and Minnie getting the hang of that earlier swinging of the fridge door. Minnie has just been on her first walk up the road with R Duncan!

Second image is self explanatory really. Daughter Margaret and varmints came down to visit Poppa and Maggy. It was a bit of a scruffy day so the three children and three adults huddled upstairs and drew caterpillars. As an extra this rather superb likeness of Poppa was produced by Jessica. Yes I did have a shave that morning it's just that Jessica wrinkles her nose when Poppa gives her a big fat kiss. She does not go through the drama that the girls behind the checkout counter at Pak 'n Save do when I offer them my kindly attentions.
Maggy now spending gleeful hours in the garden. I, with fellow quartet singers have just done a concert in our 1867 Church last Friday. General murmers of appreciation although we are all very critical.

Hope you Jen are bouncing along hapily from pyramid to bazaar to café. Love n chuckles from me, Mag, R.D and Minnie.

So Here I Am

2009-09-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hi, youse in NZ. I'm missing you and that reprobate, you know who I mean. I LOVED the photos of him, Dodes. I'm in a house with a bunny, Poppy, who is marvellous and whose nose twitches as it should and who is as curious as a cat, and with a cat, Poum, who is getting visibly older and who sits in the sun and sleeps most of the day, and when he's not doing that, he's yowling with the loudest yowl in the world. He could yowl for earth in a universe-wide contest. I love them both very much, but I miss my boy more.

Life is good here. I have settled in well, and life is now a different routine, but routine, nonetheless. I've stayed home the last couple of days, waiting for a UPS parcel with a new laptop backpack. It's one of those that hangs off one shoulder, like your two black backpacks. That stupid, beautiful leather bag I have ... I don't know what to do with it. It's just too heavy to be practical for me. Not that I'm going to throw it away or give it away, just that it's taking me longer than expected to find a practical use for it. I'll get there eventually.

I've been going in regularly, other than the past two days, to Toronto and studying in the library in the mornings, and then walking around Toronto in the afternoons. It works well. I've been to see an exhibition of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM); I've had hotdogs almost every lunch hour (tasteeeeee!! and cheap); I'm planning on a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) this week to see the renovations. Helga said they were amazing, and I've seen her pictures, and they do indeed look amazing. I'll have an update once I visit. I'm happy and satisfied to be back in this marvellous city, but I miss NZ unceasingly.

The weather, before yesterday, has been just beautiful. Hot, dry days with brilliant sunshine and cool breezes. Then yesterday, it became as you would expect in southern Ontario - humid, oppressive, heavy, hard to breath. Today was a bit better. I can't wait for the snow, but don't tell the others.

Tim has wireless internet at home, and it's so very easy just to slip online and browse. I've been collecting sites with photographers and their work, adding them to my bookmarks. Some breathtaking images. Not the ones here, of course.

The first weekend I was here, we went to the Orono County Fair, although unfortunately Carrie had to go to work. It was relatively large... well, not really large, but they got about 50,000 people through, and there were rides and games and carnival food and face painting. I got a straw cowboy hat (natch) and rode on two rides. The highlight of the time was a demolition car derby, where they just drove around hitting other cars until they stopped. The last car left mobile was the winner. The noise was tremendous. Restless kids meant that we were watching a stupid pony show when they had demolition trucks and one of them actually caught fire! We were some put out that we didn't see that, I can tell you. As you may have guessed, I'm a great screamer at things like this. We went with a friend of Carrie's, Kathleen, and her son, Aaron, and Kathleen and I are diehard converts now. Ah, rural life. It was one helluva lot of fun.

Did I tell you much about Melbourne? We went to a wonderful Spanish restaurant (it's in the book). The front door is just up an alleyway, and the alley is covered with the most wonderful graffiti. It's one of the best alleys for graffiti, apparently, at least according to the all-mighty book. I have the feeling that Melbourne is one of those cities that is eminently wanderable. Something to look at wherever you walked. Toronto is much the same. You could easily spend weeks in either city, just walking and looking and coming across interesting parks or shops or houses or ... The conference went exceptionally well. I was thrilled to be among my own academic kind again, and they were all so welcoming. They were quite insistent that we have the next one in Auckland, which I'm more than happy to arrange. In this case, Auckland is ideal, as cheap sleeps are near campus, as are cheap eats. We were already discussing what could be done in Auckland.

I particularly like this one, just for the irony of it. I mean, what a marvellous youth project!

I'll try to post more amusingly next time - Dodes, it's quite a mission trying to keep up. I loved your last one.

In the Meantime

2009-09-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

Back in the colonies.
I txt’d Bill. Bill the bleedin cat. He never contacts me, always says his mobile has run out of dosh. I ask him, “Have you got time for a couple of shots for your Mum?”

“Busy.”

“Your poor Mum. She loves you, feeds you, makes a space on the bed for you.”

“Okay, okay make it quick, between 2 and 3pm.”

I arrive, he stretched out sleeping in our early summer sun. I tell him to tart himself up a bit this is a photo for Mum (image 1). He decides on a pose (image 2).

“Gawd how much longer this goin on for dodes?” (image 3).

I have discarded all the shots with that ridiculous handle bar moustache. Besides he kept getting it wedged in the cat door.

He sends his love to his Mum and says he’s run outa pocket money. And the Old Sheila from Thames and the young ‘un doin all that larnin give him a feed and a cuddle and a space on the bed from time to time.
And when are you getting home again Mum?

Yours and Bill’s faithful servant dodes

On to the next!

2009-03-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

Well my play went off without a hitch and I am so proud of the whole cast and crew. They were wonderful! This is a picture of some of the cast while they were performing. Yes Jen the chair you see is from mom's place and it fit in beautifully. If you are interested you can go on line to the Edmonton Journal and go to Cappies and read some of the reviews. There are pics there too.

I am now working on "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and it goes up in 2 weeks about. We are building a dog house and sewing costumes. I will finish the dog house tomorrow morning before work.

We turned our clocks forward today for spring but it is minus 18 outside and snow 3 feet thick so spring does not feel very close. I am looking forward to the day that one can smell it coming in the air. My favorite day of the year I think.

I am going to run now and do some laundry as there is a never ending supply to tackle.

Love to all

Hilary Louise

Ah, I am so sorry David

2009-02-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

No poaching - the grandmothers and grandfathers would rise up, gather a peaceful Quaker "army" (grandmother) ; Sit down and discuss it all; come to a consensus that poaching won't fly. We need the Grandchildren too much!! But you can pretend as long as they are there - and then indeed your extended family in Canada will keep you in touch.
We love you all and are there with you in our imaginations, and thoughts. And wish beyond wishing that we were all there with you in our skins!
Love,
Grandma (The Quaker one)

Shame you ain't all here ~

2009-02-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

Adults politely, warmly, greet each other and we soon drape ourselves about my scattered offerings I call lunch. Children are children no matter where children are. A successful and chatty visit from the ‘extended’ Canadian family – am seriously considering poaching the children to add to my own grand children.

Lovely family, great day I'll probably drive over the Coromandel Ranges and visit them at Hot Water Beach today

– oh Jen is looking very well, the op now a long way behind. Yes, Hillary shame you’re not here – shame the whole fam damnly ain’t here.

Love t’all, dodes

Definitely a me here and you there blog!

2009-02-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Man do I wish that I could be with you guys relaxing and enjoying the great company of everyone! I can't say warm New Zealand as I have never been there when it is warm so I always think of the company and smile.

Tim and Carrie and kids I hope that you are having the time of your lives as it can't be better then where you are now. From the first time I visited NZ I felt like it was home. I am not sure if it was the company or the place it self but I do envy you your trip.

Hot water beach is beautiful isn't it? I was very lucky and Dodie drove me on a great trip around the peninsula and we stopped for lunch at Hot Water Beach.

Things are very busy for me here as my play goes up in 3 days and I am frantically trying to get everything ready. Doing a period piece is more difficult then I thought as one has to be true to the time period. So even my knitting needles are wooden! I am also on a committee called Cappies and I am a mentor Editor Yah I know you can stop laughing now, me and editor? I had to laugh too but I have help so I am going to tackle it with everything I've got. We saw the play Pirates of Penzance and there were 36 critics at the event so I have 36 critiques to edit in about 6 hours and then pick the top 5 to go into the paper here. That is due on Sunday and I have rehearsal on Sunday until 2 so fun day for me. My actual classes are great and full of life. They are not too big 28 and 32 students. Some days it doesn't feel like I taught anything but I know that I must have said something as they are all busy working on assignments and laughing and enjoying what they are doing. The work that they have showed so far has been wonderful. I have laughed till I cried and cried till I laughed. That is what makes my job so great. I feel like I am the luckiest person in the world to be able to get up and go into work and look forward to it. Thank you mom and dad for that. You taught us to be happy in what ever we do is the most important thing no matter what it is you end up doing. Well everyone I have rambled on and on so I will bid adieu to all. I miss you all very much!

Oh Tim I bought my ticket and I will be arriving at your abode on the 30th of March. I will send you the details when you get back. Have a blast!

Love you all!

Hilary Louise, Weezie, little Red, Favorite youngest daughter

Paihia and Points South

2009-02-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

So, we're leaving Paihia today, on a beautiful sunny day. The weather has actually been pretty humid and very hot, so not ideal, but Carrie and I have been wave-jumping and the kids have been fooling around on the shore, so all is going generally pretty well. Tim has gone for walks, and yesterday, the Cockburn Hellums went over to Russell on the pedestrian ferry (sounds odd, like walking on water, but you know what I mean). I stayed in the cool air-conned hotel room and slept for a while. Then we tried to get to dinner in the hotel, but the restaurant was full of a group having a buffet, so we ordered room service and ate in our rooms. We have a lovely view of the ocean, but I think we'll be camping for a while hereafter. We've camped one night, at Taputaputa, the northernmost campsite in NZ. It's just a few minutes from Cape Reinga, and gorgeous. Unfortunately, one of the tent's flaps got left open, and we got bombed by mosquitoes until 3 am, when Tim discovered the problem. No-one slept very well, but running around in the surf the next morning made up for it. The tent itself is huge - Tim can stand up in the middle of it with about 6 inches to spare - but when we opened it for the first time, it had muddy footprints and leaves and the end of a balloon inside, plus, worse, it has a hole in the bottom. We have to wash the bloody mosquitoe squishings off but after that we're taking it back, or at least having something to say to the people at Kathmandu about it.

We're off to Auckland this morning, with a stop at Goat Island Marine Reserve on the way down. We'll be spending the night in Auckland, then heading to the Coromandel, a short visit with David, and then Hot Water Beach. Can't wait. After the week at Hot Water Beach, we'll be heading over to Waitomo for the glow worm caves and black water rafting, and then around to Rotorua and stinks. Again, can't wait, except, perhaps, for the stinks. The time is passing quickly and everyone is enjoying themselves. I'll write again when I can, and perhaps post some pictures of the kids running around on the beach at Taputaputa.

I hope everyone is well and keeping warm, unless you're in NZ, and keeping cool. Mum, the picture of the amaryllis is just beautiful. Thanks for posting it, and thanks, too, for posting the picture of the hoarfrost. It's hard for the family here to remember cold, and the picture reminds me of it, those beautiful crisp cool sunny winter mornings. Joyous, those memories are. Carrie still can't believe she's in NZ. I know just how she feels. It took me years to believe that I was here. I'm believing it more day by day.

For Jen

2009-02-12T13:32:00.001-08:00

Hi Jen, we talked about Amarillises and you said that you wanted a picture of my plant this year - here it is. Love Mum

Not Spring Yet

2009-02-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

The sun rose,

and the fog rolled off,

leaving the world awash in hoar frost.

Practice Makes Perfect:

2009-02-01T13:11:00.001-08:00

Just in case...

2009-01-31T14:01:00.001-08:00

...anyone thought we might be nostalgic about leaving Canada in February, I give you the following:

...taken mere moments ago (and yes, the snow is blowing horizontally) and we are still behind one solid shoveling of the drive, blast it. Actually, come to think of it, I saved myself the effort as it will clearly need to be done again anyway to even get out of the drive! Also, looking forward to plus 9C in Vancouver on Tuesday.

????

2009-01-31T09:30:00.000-08:00

Quick!! When is the next meeting of the MAS (mutual admiration society)? I need to be there.
I agree, it is hard to type with cat between you and the key board, loudly purring and reaching up to pat your face - the way you pat her face. "Must be something humans like so I will return the favour"
All kinds of frantic activity down on the Newcastle farm this morning - only two more sleeps to go before take off. Love you guys!
Hilary

I do enjoy

2009-01-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

I do enjoy reading your observations Hilary /Mum. And what lovely sensitive photos - very cleverly stuck in their proper places.

Shows that us oldies ain't down and out. Though I've often been out, more often been down, but down & out at the same time? Neh. Us blokes can only do one thing at a time.

Finding it difficult to type. Robby (hairy varmint) sprawled out on my knee purring. Thinks he's happy. Haven't the heart to tell him about the economic decline.

Mag and I trying to make our house respectabibible for Important Visitors.

bye

.dodie

Still cold here just south of the north pole

2009-01-27T17:08:00.001-08:00

There seems to be some difficulty in arranging photographs on a blog. Not sure why or how to over come it - yes it is still cold - but sometimes the cold can bring forth bits of beauty - like old Mr Frost when he settles on window panes. A wee grey deer mouse popped out of one hole in the snow- under the bird feeder - grabbed a crumb dropped by the birds, and scuttled down down another. He looked well fed, having survived thus far.
I find that I am getting more and more excited as the take-off time draws closer: imagining them all in the plane - finally on their way over the Pacific. Kids taking over the the duties of flight attendants - Mum and Dad sliding down in the too narrow plane seats and feeling that sense of relief when one is finally off and it is just too bad about any thing that has been left behind.

I went to see The doctor today and found out that the asthma problems are in fact bronchial problems. That should be cleared up in a day or two. The epilepsy dose has been increased by one extra pill a day so that I come within the range of it being effective.
I don't think that I will post any more pictures until the family are back safe and sound in Canada. I will be too busy reading blogs and oohing and ahhing about it all.

Love ,
Hilary/Mum

The final shot is of the grand old birch tree on our neighbour's property

Ottawa greets

2009-01-27T04:13:00.000-08:00

David,

Thanks for your kind minding offer! We'll see how it goes with the kids and how they acclimatize and so on. I'm sure it'll all be fine. That swimming hole looks beautiful! Can't wait.

Its hard to imagine being warm in NZ. I am in Ottawa this morning for our federal budget hand down and have just come to the media lockup to double-check connectivity (all well). It was a brisk 10 minute walk in -22C weather (!).

Off for breakfast shortly, and then back in here after the security sweep (the RCMP checks for wireless devices that we're not supposed to have smuggled in here) for the real fun.

Cheers to all,

/timothy

Neck to knee bathing costume

2009-01-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

I am much reasured by your Alpine experience Timothy and your plans. Forgive the grandfataherly witterings of caution.

Eager to catch up with you and share a few Coromandel (includes Thames) bush walks. Still finding new river swimming holes, complete with neat little clean sandy beaches, excellent sunny and safe hideways for families, children. Don't know about Jen coming though. I can hear her scornful jeers, her mocking cries, as I proudly don my 1920s neck to knee bathing costume.

Jen of course would make a wonderful child minder. If I'm free (have a cousin arriving from Australia, a wee island of the coast of New Zealand)I would be very happy to offer help in making sand castles, exploring a few of our walk ways, or, if wet (Sacre Bleu!) drawing pictures of particularly Fierce Animals. My grand daughter has given me a diploma for the last achievement. The same grand daughter who knows where to find fairies at the bottom of Poppa's garden!

love to all of Jen's family
.dodie
ps picture of a recent swimming hole, and, all to myself!

Sounds Good To Me too

2009-01-24T18:26:00.000-08:00

Great to hear from you all and as I read the words of great wisdom, I felt the heat, and the benign days that floated by. Now I dream about reading blogs and blogs of activities.

Showed Dad how to open and click his way to "mehereandyouthere"so he will be able to enjoy the trip as well.

The advice does sound good - thank you all for that information.

Thank you Dodie for your words of encouragement.

Global grey power grows stronger every day, due to the likes of us! It was your delightful images that started me off on this quest: "hey! that looks neat. How does that happen?" Then a call to Hilary Louise to get the ball rolling - and here we are - born again! And so for that I also feel thankful.

Good night all -the hot water bottle is in bed warming up the cocoon - time to go.

Love Hilary/ma

2009-01-24T18:20:00.001-08:00

Hey there Jen, David, Mags,

Thank you very much for the advice. We were worried about cool temperatures (its surprising the amount of conflicting information online and in books about temperatures in the areas of NZ we have spoken to you about visiting. Your collective wisdom is most welcome.

I think I quite forgot to mention that it was us adults I had in mind for the Tongariro Alpine trek. I was sort of hoping that Jen, you might want to look after the kids for a day while Carrie and I tried that trek. Thanks for your offer to drive and pick up, but research has shown there to be shuttle buses that will do the same thing. We can play that by ear. Seeing as you might be doing us the favour of being the parental punching bag for a day, we should return the favour by getting ourselves there and away.

David, your advice about mountain weather is well-taken. We shall prepare adequately. I am no stranger to alpine experiences, however. I grew up a few hours drive from the Rockies and spent more time there in alpine environments than most of the time I should have been in class during my first undergrad years. I climbed and hiked in all weathers (sometimes all in the same day!) and know Jasper Park rather well as a result. But it was a few years ago, now.

I'm off to the federal budget hand-down on Monday. I'm embarrassed to say, but I'm not sure if NZ slaves under a parliamentary system like ours, but as you're a former slave colony like us in Canada, you probably do. Therefore, you'll be familiar with the government revealing to the public on a certain day each year (varies), the proposed financial budget for the coming year. What you may not know is that on the morning of that day, a huddle of journalists are sequestered in a press room (about 200 or so in Canada; from online, print, radio and TV worlds), given all the details and denied access to the outside world until the embargo lifts in the afternoon as the Finance minister reads of the proposed document(s) to the public in parliament. Being locked up incommunicado in the press room allows the journalists to pour over the data and write their stories in advance of any publication, and without chance of scooping the government on its own budget release. Of course, when the communications embargo is lifted, its complete pandemonium for ten minutes as all sources try to communicate back to their mothership organizations as fast as possible to be the first news outlet with the budget details. I go to these things in a technical capacity, and facilitate the rush to press of the stories and graphics created in the lockup. 7 hours of boredom for me, followed by ten minutes of panic. Here is last year's budget lockup. Still, it can be kind of fun.

Thanks again for the advice and we'll make sure to pack all the wrong stuff.

: )

/timothy

Clothing and suchlike

2009-01-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Tim, what David and Mag have said is good. The Tongariro is a real Alpine (as in mountainous)trek, and I don't think it would be suitable for the kids. Too difficult and arduous for the littlies, from what I hear, but fine for you and Carrie. You generally have to have someone drive the car around to pick you up after the trek, so I can do that with the cids (spelling correct). It takes a long time, too. Someone I talked to said it took her 8 hours - she's a fit 21-year-old. It looks like a little up-and-down thing, but it isn't.

About fleeces: It was 30C here yesterday. I couldn't sleep because of the heat. Windbreakers are good, but fleeces, definitely not. You'll broil. As I said to Carrie when last we spoke, I'll get sunscreen down here - made here, it's specifically for NZ sun and therefore better than stuff from Canada for the conditions. The togs for the kids should be the kind Owen had when he was much smaller - I have a really lovely picture of him in a blue all-over suit with a kepi-kind of hat being held by Carrie at her parent's cottage's beach (how's THAT for apostrophes?). That kind is perfect for them.

I generally only wear sandals here for most of the year, except during the 'coldest' days of winter. Of course for the Crossing, you'll need hiking boots, but for the rest of the time, if you're like me and hate having your feet enclosed in something when it's hot, sandals and jandals (what they call flip-flops). Shorts, tanks, and as Mag has posted, loose cotton clothing. It's pretty humid here at this time, although nothing like Toronto and area during the summer. You'll still feel it, though. Even the rain isn't cold, and they don't have acid rain, so you can walk in it. Bring hats and good sunglasses for everyone, and not the $2-store kind of sunglasses. Good ones. They get cancer of the eyeball down here because of the sun. Light sweaters, a pair of long pants - you really are coming here in the best, dryest month of summer, so pack for that, even though it's hard to believe. The nights are generally quite warm, although there is the occasional lovely cool night.

I'm not sure what else to say about clothing. Mag's advice is great. David has found a really great little (or, rather, fairly large) swimming hole in the Karangahape River (is that where it is, David?), and I can't wait to try it out.

I'll see you in 12 days!! Hilary, you will be missed. And the oldies, too.

Love, Jen.

2009-01-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Timothy & Carrie

February is traditionally the warmest month of our summer. The evenings are light and warm. It can also be very humid. Sometimes wet.

The most important consideration is, I think, protection from the sun - which has v high UV levels in NZ.

Pack sun screen (or buy here) sun hats, loose cotton clothing - both short and long sleeved, shorts, and togs (swimming costumes), sun glasses, light windproof rain coats, sandals.

See you soon!

mag xxx

Hi from her bloke:

Treat that alpine walk with respect. Typical Alpine country, can be extremely hot, change suddenly and become perishingly cold. But a great experience and stunning views. Take clothing for the worst of circumstances, enough water - I would be very cautious with children, take note of weather and get advice from alpine authorities regarding families.
I sound like an old grandfather
I am.
I once had to help somebody out who was inadequately prepared in a change of weather, it was a drain on our group and I learned from the experience. Every year there are mishaps, tragedies, involving too many of our overseas visitors.

Of course it may all go well and I will have made a nitwit of myself.
Again.

Nevertheless eager to meet and enjoy some Thames / Coromandel with you. Hoping Jen can join for much of that.

Enjoy Hllary's (born again tech whizz)photos and comments. Keep it going, us oldies have much in the twinkle-in-the eye department - we'll show them young 'uns!

David

Clothing in NZ...

2009-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

Hi Jen, David, Mag,

We are putting clothing together today to start our packing ideas.

I am quite keen to do the Tongariro Volcano trek, and will pack according for that (8 hour day hike). But other than that, should we bring warm pants for the kids? Do we need fleeces for cold mornings or evenings? That sort of thing. We are assuming windbreakers ("windcheaters" in NZ?) will be a good idea.

Have you any suggestions?

Many thanks!

/timothy

Experimenting

2009-01-24T06:38:00.000-08:00

I am now in the experimenting stage with putting pictures on the blog. That's how it goes with the old and infirm in body but ever young in spirit. It is still so silently cold:-29C - no wind, no sound. No sign of life - too cold to venture out. Although I did see coyote (like a large blond dog) tracks around the north side of the house. Callie, who also comes to Grey Malkin, Cat, kitty-cat as long as food is in the offing, has found the ideal place to sleep on these cold nights. When I went to collect her to put her in the basement for the night, I found her under the long couch where the humidifier air blasts out - warm and cosy. I didn't have the heart to move her.

Well, as you can guess I am just blathering on (as Aunty Betty used to say) in order to see how this all fits in. And to show Mag and David what mornings and evenings can bring one at Rush House.

one final thing - A shot of an unusual occupation in Victoria!

2009-01-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

Third time lucky?

2009-01-23T16:20:00.000-08:00

5:30 and it is still light out - the old earth is turning as it should!
yeah!!! Problem solved - blogs only accept jpegs.

Okay So I try again

2009-01-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

And then it is off to have supper with Kare.

Uh Oh - same message came on after 20 seconds of whirling around.
So What is the problem Tim? Image is now 6x4 and 72 pixels

With fear and trepidation...

2009-01-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

I plan to insert my first picture, fully expecting a rude note about "too many pixels"(blogging bosses") or "how dare you!" or " leave immediately and never show your self on blogspot again"- (blogging bosses)
So on this cold and blustery Friday (-34C with wind chill)

HERE GOES!!

Well, after many perambulations, this message came on:

There were errors during upload.

The following images were not uploaded.

polar bear 1.tif : Your image is corrupt or is in an unrecognized format.

So it's back to the drawing board - talk to you later,
Love, Hilary/Mum

Great images Timothy!

2009-01-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

Excellent snow shots I love them. A talented family huh?

Here I sit in my study freezing - only 11deg this morning - 7.00 am. Cats fed, washing on, Mag coming down from Auckland tonight or tomorrow (Jen's well-being permitting), so I'm getting our place here in Thames twinkling with those masculine fine touches.

Today Wednesday, our group meets for petanque this morning. Bring some quality French champagne with you in case I beat you. A fun game with the children too - my grand children are not allowed to beat 'Poppa'. Which makes the wee blighters try even harder.

So we'll see you soon !

dodie

Whole lotta snow...

2009-01-18T16:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you David for your kind words. We're getting quite keen now to come down (like we weren't before!).

I saw your lovely image from your recent hike and thought I'd reciprocate with a couple taken today. We received at least a foot of snow last night and a bunch more during the day. My shoveling may have been all in vain, but it was lovely exercise and a treat to be out in cold weather when it wasn't really that cold.

I tried to reach Jen on the phone at home just now (7:20pm Sunday our time) and then at work, to no avail. So either she's up and about somewhat, on the throne, or back at work (!).

Love to all,

/timothy (and Us)

Jen is uncomplaining and bouncing back

2009-01-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Jen is getting her ‘bounce’ back. We have been ‘txting’ – today about her check up visit. I was concerned about re transport because neither of us could help. She’s going by taxi. I called in briefly to see her on Saturday and at that stage she was tired. Often the case about the third day. So that compulsory rest is good. At least she doesn’t have to worry about shopping etc. And her lad (Bill the Bludger) seems quite pleased Mum is home. He is eating better (this had been a concern).

On the Saturday I saws Jen I was returning the older grandchildren home after they had gone hiking with ‘Poppa’ to get fit for school camp. Karangahake Gorge, I’d love to take Timothy and family up there. History, swimming holes, New Zealand bush. Hilary you have better throw common sense to the wind, tell your drama students to throw a fit and beetle down this way. Promise I won’t flirt.

Yes, the children left fit, my larder was empty, and I am recovering thank you for asking.

Love to you all, Jen is uncomplaining, heroic, I am going to the bank for a loan to buy her a flat white.

The picture was taken during the children’s hike near our swimming hole in our lunch gasp – I mean break

Love to all
Bye, dodie

Miss you guys over on that beautiful island!

2009-01-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

Hi to all in NZ! (Yes dodes this means you too) Thank you so much for taking such good care of my big sis. I was very worried about her to the tune of almost getting on a plane and checking her out myself. After much assurances from mom that all was going well what calmed me down was the fact that I know that she has another good family where she is. I had a good chat with Jen today and she sounded good, tired but good. It was so good to hear her voice to settle my nerves. It was also good to hear yours Mag. I am so glad that you like the pendant I got you. Jen had to pack it out of sight so that I did not take it home myself. Dodes I am glad also that you are enjoying your paper weight. I hope that Robbie has not whipped you too much with it at least not enough to addle your brains. I wish that I could be there when you get to meet Tim and clan from out east. I think that you will love them to bits but I may be a bit biased on that account.

Tim and Carrie I look forward to seeing the kids blogs. I told Owen that I will be reading them with delight. I think this scared him a bit but tell him I just want to know how he finds NZ. I have to run and dye some cloth for my up coming play but I just wanted everyone to know that you are thought of with lots of love and warm wishes on this side of the world.

Love Weezie

Home again, home again, jiggedy jig

2009-01-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I'm back at home. Kind Sue Thorpe drove me from the hospital. I'm in a bit of pain, but the surgery was successful and I only have 4 small holes in my belly to show for anything. No, Ma, I didn't keep the gall bladder, nor the stones, although they did ask me a number of times if I wanted them. It seemed to me a peculiar thing to want as memorabilia, but if they asked, then people must want them. Bleah. I'm to stay at home for a week, no work. Thank heavens for my movies and Buffy. I'm on Panadol (paracetamol - like Tylenol) and an anti-nausea medication.

Thank you everyone for you kindnesses. Dodes, it's so great of you to keep everyone over there informed. And thanks, guys over there, for your entries - warms the cockles, whatever they are. I am blessed with friends and family.

Love, Jen.

from Jen ~ Everything is going well

2009-01-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

Timothy we are looking forward to your visit. Having met so many of your family now we look forward with some anticipation and joy.

Dos not be concerned about your children – we have been blighted for our sins with armfuls of grandchildren. Twittering, demanding, chuckling demons that are the centre of our lives. We look forward to your family. Let us not simper gracefully into our dotage, bring on the kids! We did not earn the grey hairs and wrinkles sipping hot chocolate while musing over where we put our slippers.

I would be most interested in sitting in on a lecture of your ‘Dialectal Existential Nihilism’. Do I need to wear protective clothing?

Am currently hosting, dodging, restraining, an older grandchild and her mate. They want to go hiking with ‘Poppa’ to get fit for the school camp. After a day of blisters getting unlost, and sharing preparations for our evening meal (women are always the expert Timothy) we sat about with candles spooking ourselves with ghost stories oft the mines of Thames, evil misdeeds and thieving chocolates while Poppa was not looking. This process is called settling the kids down for bed. Wonderful imaginations. Furrowed brows while plumbing the depths of intrigue and subterfuge.

God Help their husbands.

So relieved Jen is on the sunshine side of the hill. We have had a lot on our plate over just a few days but starting to see the sunny side myself. And looking forward meeting you folk and your little ‘uns.

~ just now from Jena text message, “Everything is going well, a little pain but not much (she has medication) not sure if I come home today or tomorrow, love to everybody”

I rang back (ain’t mobile phones great!) to complete the conversation. Sounds confident, a little tired. Jen has promised my flat white. Life is good.

.dodie

Canada is far away

2009-01-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

And your blogs Dodie are so warm and wonderful that for you and for Mag and for Jen it brings tears to my eyes.
You know how it is - I want to be there - for her as she comes back from the operating room. I want to fly down for 3 weeks until Tim and Carrie and gang get there. Oh dear - it is indeed a long way away.
But to know that she has such loving and caring friends does indeed bring tears to my eyes. How can one thank you? There is no way except to be for others the way you have been for Jen. You are both mentors in the real way of the world.
Love you,
Hilary

coming home tomorrow!

2009-01-14T20:32:00.001-08:00

Just fine and very sleepy. Cheerful. Jen has been out of the operating theatre about an hour. A lovely bunch of flowers from her university department. Mag has just texted me from the hospital.

Good to relax after this news. I have made many hospital visits but time I really wanted Jen to come through smoothly and comfortably. This is happens when you get to know somebody well I guess.

When she is recovered and back to her happy self I am going to insist, really insist on my flat white.

Just texted – coming home tomorrow! Sue from Egypt trip will being her home. Caleb has visited and been very helpful.

Yay! Sun is coming out…

Room With a View

2009-01-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

Jen is to have her operation this morning. I visited her in hospital yesterday, enjoyed a good chat and we had a few good laughs together. She is comfortable and we feel she is being well looked after. At one brief stage she had a team of seven doctors and staff nodding their heads and checking on medication etc. A regular visit apparently, not an emergency, nor Jen tells me, because she is a rare species.

I had come up from Thames and was able to provide toothbrush, a book, ipod etc. (grand children tell me I wouldn’t know an ipod from a TV remote!)

Sorry about delay in updating this blog. No computer access and taking Bill (hairy one) for vet post op follow up, then to Wellsford to collect grandchildren to go hiking where there is no cell phone coverage. Plus discussions regarding court proceedings (daughter graduating from marriage!) I have been a tad preoccupied.

Now back home Thames. Mag is in Auckland and now the Acting Mother Superior. So I can keep you updated. I was initially shocked at Jen going to hospital but seeing Jen was a calming influence. After her op she told me she is to enjoy a room with a view.

Will keep you updated, love to all,

Dodie

Ps I delivered her calculator, not the blinking ipod – don’t tell the kids!

grateful...

2009-01-13T18:54:00.001-08:00

Dear Mag and David,

Thank you so much for having hearts with doors that open outwards. Thank you for looking after our Jen. I somehow still think of her as 17 or so. I'm not sure why, except it was not long after that age that she went to Norway for a year and I think I sort of lost track of her as my sibling as a result for a lot of years until she came to Toronto back in the late 1980s.

We are very keen to meet you two and see your wonderful country. Carrie and I will be quiet as mice, but I may not be able to vouch for my two children in quite the same way. Long sermons on Dialectal Existential Nihilism have proven effective in sending them off to Neverland, so we may pull those stops when we are there.

My mother, coarse as she is ("Gall bladder as necklace"...), has a heart with open doors as well. So thank you, too, for looking after her as well, when she was there. Hopefully, our trip to NZ will not include a hospital of any sort whatsoever.

/timothy

Yeah well....

2009-01-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

You can tell that the last blog came from a mother! (This mother.)

Dearly Beloved Friends

2009-01-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to know that you are there for our Jen.!Bless you and thank you both so very much.

We all think that we are invincible - right?

And so of course it is a surprise to know that there are cracks in the armor. I was quite amazed to realize that I had epilepsy.
However, these things happen and we deal with them.

It is with such kindness that you rearrange your lives to help her, and we are all very grateful!

Mag, you mentioned something on the phone about colosistitis (?) Did I hear right? Do you know what it is?

I don't know about the health situation in NZ - is she covered? Does it come under some kind of insurance? Could you let me know?

Tell Jen, that we are all rooting for her and to keep her gall bladder - to make into a necklace. It will make a good piece of memorablia.

Love Hilary

Jen in hospital

2009-01-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

To quote

“Am going to be here a few days. Probably to have my gall bladder out.”

From Jen midday today, text message.

Have spoken to Jen on the phone (thanks be to mobile phones) she sounds strong, but surprised that she ended up in hospital this morning after a night’s pain of ‘heartburn’.

Mag and I taken by surprise also, concerned, but have got ourselves together. We have managed to shift aside commitments and we’ll do a roster in Auckland to keep an eye on Jen and of course to provide home comforts to Bill who too has had his little ‘op’ (tooth out) and is recovering well.

Be assured we’ll do all we can for Jen and will keep you good folk informed on progress, either on this blog, or email from Mag.

Love to all

Dodes and Mag

~ would love you to join me ~

2009-01-12T12:42:00.001-08:00

By early afternoon I have been laid flat by our humidity. I feel better when I tell friends of you snow-shovelling Canadians in your minus 30 temperatures. Daylight, cat feeding, starts at 5.30am, I bring the washing in at 9.15pm. Cats shuffle off looking for moths.

Last night I slept on our balcony and counted four shooting stars and satellites. William, bigger now, leaves no room inside the sleeping bag. Purrs like a badly tuned tractor.

The picture was taken over a 1 ½ walk of our nearby Karangahake Gorge. Peaceful. Over the turn of the nineteenth century and for two and a half generations there was work for hundreds digging mines, crushing gold, pouring cyanide-laced mine debris into streams. Walking tracks now maintained by Dept of Conservation.

Keep up the shovelling, I’m off for a dip in a clear mountain stream.

Second thoughts, put down the shovel, I would love you to join me

dodes

Snowed again

2009-01-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

Yeah, well this is the time of year when most good Canadians HATE the bloody cold and snow. Except of course if you are a skier, snowboarder, or someone who loves those awful noisy smelly machines whose name escapes my short term memory- ah yes "snow mobiles", or a hockey player.
Well, having discovered that shoveling out a .10 K drive is too much at this point - even taking all day to do it in fits and starts, I got out the car today and drove up and down four or five times - and that works just as well. We are going to get MORE snow this week.
The picture of you toasting absent Anne is a delight. And good to hear from you Mag. I envy you walking. Part of the problem is that I can't really go cross-country skiing until my system settles down - I wouldn't hate the snow quite so much if skiing were an option. So have a good walk - or did you have a good walk?
Did I tell you Dodie, how much I enjoyed the pictures of Amahl and the Night Visitors? One of my very favorite Christmas rituals - to listen to it. You were gorgeous! Just right for the part. I hope that you do it again next year.
Love to all,
Hilary

Have dusted my walking shoes . . .

2009-01-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hello
Today is overcast and a drizzly, humid, the flowers bright after night rain. Hilary Snr, I am very sorry to hear of your affliction and hope that the side effects of the medication soon disappear and that you feel much better. In the meantime, good that shovelling snow has some benefits, apart from the obvious!
The Book Group came down yesterday for a morning at the market, a shared lunch and our monthly meeting - a very energetic and hilarious day.
Mostly on the back deck, wine glasses waving. Plates emptying. Laughter all over.
Today D and I are off for a walk, I have dusted my walking shoes, flexed my toes and drunk coffee.
Love to all
Mag xxxxx

Missing you already!

2009-01-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

I've been home for a week now and it feels like a month or more. I still can't quite believe that I was there and saw the things I saw. Thank you so much Jen for showing me Egypt. It really was a trip of a lifetime for me and to have been able to go with you made it so very special. I wish that I could go with Tim and Carrie and the kids and see you with them. I love you very much and I look forward to our continued adventures where ever they may take us!

Weezie

keeping in touch

2009-01-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

Dodie, I love your blogs! (Mag, you are in my thoughts when I read Dodie's blogs)
So sorry to hear that you and Jen missed each other at the airport. I am amazed at how often that happens.

I am in a sort of weird whirl of getting used to (a) that I have a life long affliction and (b) the drugs to control it.
The first drug had effects of losing balance,hyper hyper-activity and drowsiness. I didn't want to bother my doctor, so I bothered my family and friends. I was shouted at and hollered at to talk to the doctor. OK _OK. I did. And she asked me to see her the next day (she didn't feel bothered! I was relieved.)

Now I am on one that David and Marilyn know well. It has produced sever drowsiness - I spent most of yesterday on the couch with a meowing cat (I have threatened to chop out her vocal chords, but she doesn't consider that a problem).

The irony is, if I get up and make myself do some activity such as vacuuming or shoveling snow, I feel better.
Today, it is shoveling snow, as there is a forecast of rain in a day or two, and rain on a lot of snow is impossible to deal with.

HOWEVER! Pretty soon, the side effects will wear off and I will be back on track again.
In the meantime, kind people are taking over my job of teaching and when I am OK again, I can go back to it. The Mennonite Center For Newcomers is a great place to work!

Happy New year to all the wonderful people who contribute to this blog. I love reading it because of you.
Love, Hilary(Ma)

Do not wash fine china in shower

2009-01-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

Jen is home.
We had a great dinner together, Canton, an efficient, bubbly joint, we left filled with food and neer a mention of New Year rissolutions.

Earlier I had set the alarm and a tad before midnight ambled out to the airport at the appointed time. I am an old hand at picking up wanderers from the Auckland International Airport. In fact I see myself as a bit of a private eye. Unseen, scanning faces, baggage, clothing and then I pounce. That night Jen too must have been unseen. She too scanned unfamiliar faces in seeking my handsome, Adonis, profile.

We came home separately. Simply couldn’t find each other. Relieved to find her okay and thrilled to catch up again. Much post-midnight chortling and relaying the Important News. Like Bill Hellum (the hairy varmint) being shuffled off for safe keeping to the ‘Appy Cattery’. And hearing, how I hated hearing, about the wonderful adventures Jen and Hillary had together. Such as the balloon rides. May their beds be infested with the fleas of a thousand camels.

I got presents. This was the motivation behind setting wretched alarms, shedding pyjamas and trudging out to the wretched airport. The presents! Kept reminding myself: -

Do Not Embrace Jen Clutch Present then Bugger off Home Again leaving Jen at Airport. Rude. Remember to take Jen home. She’s a Canadian.

Presents:
A cup with a fine likeness of Tutankhamen. Tomorrow, midst leery looks and after our Thames Petanque round I am going to ask the barista to pour me flat white into this very cup. And, from Hilary ~
“A paper weight,” says Jen. Too good for a paper weight I thought.

Three cat paws wide it weighs 630grams. Half the combined weight of the white and wholemeal flour for my home made bread. Twice the weight of the chicken stock in my rissoles. Attracted to magnets (no, the paper weight not the friggin rissole) and when rolled it describes a circle of 12.5cm. Replete with cyphers atop.

I am told this weight is still used today for pricing vegetables, fruits, and, uhm – balloon rides peut-etre? Too good to hide in my study just yet, will casually place this too on my café table.
“Never seen one of these before?” exclaim I, “Good Lord! Just a common garden Egyptian market accoutrement my dear fellow.” I’ll feel wise.
“And the ciphers?’ some smart-wink is bound to ask. He’ll be hoarsely hushed with, “The Curse, beware of The Curse my good man.”

Further weighty pondiferations. Increasing the life expectancy of them Critters with a surplus of legs and imbued with crustacean ambitions. The same Critters lugged into my bed by Robbie Duncan. (Robby Duncan: cat, tabby, adorable, put down a plate of rivets he’ll eat ‘em) Attaching Paper Weight, the full 630 grams, to the tail of the aforesaid rivet gobbler, Robbie will be slower in knobbling these poor blighters. Poor blighters live longer.

Changed my mind. Think about it. Robbie Duncan leaps onto the bed. Me, poor blighter, rendered silly by that bloody weight, the whiplash from Robbie’s tail.

Yes Jen home, everybody happy. Well, Jen slept while everybody worked and waked while everybody slept but if one goes skudding about foreign skies in a lighter-than-air bloody great hot plastic bag that’s what you get, The Curse. No not a cruise, it’s The Curse, okay.

Love and good wishes to all
Dodie

- yes, must remember not to wash crockery in my shower, Jen’s come home.

Blog Crasher

2009-01-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Jen. I've been dropping in on your blog while visiting Hilary at Dad's. Have enjoyed the reading very much. The trip to Egypt sounds great and piqued my latent interest in visiting there myself one day. Just got back from Thailand and a visit to Sunan's Dad and family in Phuket. Always a bit wierd to be in the tropics at Christmas.....no wierder than in the middle east but having said that...how ironic! Guess somewhere along the way Christmas got to be associated with snow and Christmas trees. Weezie, I'm sure you were missed at home and I have thought of the lovely Christmas we once spent together in ST. Albert. I would love to see you all again, hopefully at the next family gathering....in BC. Reading Dodie's blog reminds me of how much I love and miss NZ and hope to return there too one day. Love to you all and all the best for 2009.

Alison

I am back

2009-01-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I am back in the land of snow and cold. Thanks everyone for that! It wasn't warm in Egypt but at least I could walk around without having my nostril hairs freezing. Sorry griping when I do not have the right to gripe. I had the time of my life with Jen and we had a great time together. I never laugh so hard as I do when I am with Jen. Some temples or something eh Jen? Whose turn is it to try the key? I agree with everyone else that we need to keep this blog going. It has been wonderful to hear from everyone and all the goings on around the world. Love and miss you already Jen. I hope that your flight went well and you got home without too many delays. I sent you an email so I hope you get it. LOL. Love to all!
Weezie

On my way home

2009-01-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
It has indeed been a good run. I have loved reading about the adventrues and the remarks, and loved the saucy notes from Dodie! Thank you for all your inputs. I agree with Dodie that it should be an ongoing thing. But I am looking forward to a video chat with Jen sometime.

It has snowed again in Victoria, so I am going home! Better snow in Alberta.
Lots of love to all,
Ma

Yes, I can pick you up from the airport Jen.

2009-01-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

And as the sun sets over the pyramids, shadows stretch over the Firth of Thames, as the furry Bill Hellum strikes off another day from his Cat Calendar anticpating his mother’s return, so we sing the last refrain to the Song of the Blog.

Brilliant idea. Hugely enjoyed your all your deeds, misdeeds, from known and yet-to know contributors. I have felt dismayed by Jen’s losses early in the trip, mystified by that unrefundable money disappearing. Looked forward to the progress reports. Venom and hatred still balloon up inside me from that hot air ride you did without me Jen and Hilary. Revenge aside this blog is an excellent way to connect. To restart this blog I have booked you up, Jen, for a coupla months, quite a few months actually, to try your hand at penguin pizzas on the Ross Shelf, a change from all that pyramid stuff. Pyramids are just so-o-o passé Jen! Then the rest of us family can nosey into each other’s lives again. Naturally with a robust blend of mirth and compassion.

No Hilary (Ma) you did not upset me by any smart remarks. I know you well, I appreciated and deserved the stern rebuke, may there be many more.

I went down the gold mine again. Took a young relative. I still feel the claustrophobia, the uncertainty of the damp and hard to see carved rock walls caving in. the money was good for those days, but eight hours of stale air is a long time. My great uncle turned to timber milling after money ran out. Felled trees where the land is now regenerating native trees and birds.

Yes, I can pick you up from the airport Jen. Looking forward to seeing you and when you’ve had a good sleep we’ll slip out to a café for the Big Catch Up. No 7 has been very quiet, and when I do visit the Grove I miss Bill terribly after he went to the Cat Club Med. I have been skipping off for breakfasts to nearby daughter Margaret’s and enjoying my porridge and coffee with chattering infants. Little rascals took off when ‘Poppa’ was told to brush their hair. Warm low sun and long evenings here in Thames. Dinner on our back deck awaits your company. I have found an excellent café just out of Coromandel.

Oh, picture of Current Sheila and I taken by web cam while discussing your blog.

Love and chuckles to all

dodie & Mag

Coming Home

2009-01-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

Well folks it is time to return to the land of cold and snow. I have had an amazing trip with the best guide that ever could be. I have seen much with much left to still see. that will be for the next trip. (Don't tell Mike) I went to the Giza Plateau today and what a sight to see. I imagined how large everything was and it still blew me out of the sand. I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy new Year. (we slept through it and heard not a thing, just what we wanted) We are off to the Han to do some last minute shopping and then home to pack and sleep so that I can get up at 5 to catch my plane. Miss you everyone and see the West folks soon. Love you all!
Weezie

Happy New Year to All

2008-12-31T07:12:00.000-08:00

Hi every one who checks out this blog,
It has been wonderfull reading it all - keeping in touch with the travellers as well as Bill's keepers, Dodie and Mag. and others.
Dodie I feel badly about my "smart" remarks to you. I have thoroughly enjoyed your writing!
I have been having quite a time getting used to the new medicine that I must now take forever and more. It makes me very drowsy - so I have been doing almost nothing around here. But I did discover that a lot of activity helps - it gets my blood circulating and I don't feel quite so "not with it". So I walk up and down stairs, and yesterday we went out for a brisk walk - it all helps. The side affects will wear off in a month or so - accoring to Marilyn and David.(my sister-in-law and younger brother).

So it is new year's eve and we will have a quiet one this year as our usual hostess is suffering from acute anemia and just couldn't do it. I don't mind!!
I need to go and lie down or walk some more.
Love,Ma

2008-12-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

For the last few days I have been graciously hosted by the Security Officer of The Grove, one Bill Hellum Esq, the gentleman in the dark suit resident at No 7.

I am pleased to report that he is fine fettle. He sports a fine coat of fur and pursues the day to day trivia within the propinquity of the aforementioned No 7 the Grove with great interest. Not a footstep falls, not a fantail flits, nor a beetle capers across the carpet without our Doughty Bill Hellum (Esq) following through with an intelligent interest.

I am not a man to complain but I feel that it is my duty to highlight just a few issues for his mother’s attention.

I am presented with a full report of these doings. Every damn detail. Not the day time stuff of postmen, trundling rubbish tins and poor critters lugging themselves off to work. No it’s the night time stuff. This at 3.30 am in the morning. The cat door swings Bill Hellum lurches up the stairs twittering leaps onto the bed, still twittering, clambers over me up to my face and he talks. 3.30 am in the morning. A time of the day when I am least interested in beetle scratchings, cat maraudings and night time calls of who knows what.

I feel used. He dumps himself across me for a kip. I can’t breath, my rib cage vibrates with purring, I can’t move. “This is the life!” says Bill Hellum (Esq) and drops off to sleep.

The case of the missing sausage end. Answering a telephone call (Current Chick, Thames) I returned to enjoy my dinner and Bill denied all. “Look for yourself,” says he. It was there when I left. Broccoli untouched.

I say again I am not a man to complain and the above small issues are nothing that a flat white, on your return Jen wouldn’t put to rights.

Yesterday I popped Bill into his cat box for a stay in the palatial ‘Appy Cat’ cattery. I found it quite hard, he was such a good little boy travelling too. The lady is fussy. Gawd did I hang about while vets were rung and details verified. Of course this is all for the resident cats welfare. But difficult. The owner is wonderful with the cats. Numerous fluffy felons arrived, most of them she knew and she welcomed and cuddled them. Repeat customers made me feel reassured. The place is clean, expansive and well maintained.

Back to the Grove next door there are earthworks that go all day and night. In that spare section opposite the main gate. A temporary railway station is being built adjacent to and behind The Grove while double tracks are laid. Trucks drive up Sojak St, no room to move, sometime we have to wait, and they exit from that wood yard nearer Pak n Save. A desperate holiday rush so that by the time people are back to work there should be some sort of order.

I am now back in Thames with beloved Mag and my own two hairy demons.

.dodie

Aswan and peace

2008-12-28T04:16:00.000-08:00

Hey, all. So Weezie and I are here, arrived yesterday and promptly settled down to watching Kojak and Buffy the Vampire Slayer in our room. We neither of us had slept well the night before, so we had snoozes and then went to the Panorama for dinner. Spicy meat tagine, rich rice (oriental rice) and basbousa (a sweet) with limoons. Weezie had 3.5 limoons. It's a kind of lemonade you get here, made with little lemons that taste somewhat like limes but are lemons. The best. So refreshing you could drink it all day long. And night. The drive down here was great - peaceful and we didn't have to stop in any stupid Ptolemaic temples, which was a blessing. Have I mentioned they've stopped the tourist convoy from Luxor to Aswan? Means we can just go when we want and we don't have to keep up with everyone. It was such a stupid idea anyway.

Aswan is its glorious self. Peaceful and calm and the weather is absolutely perfect. Our hotel is the best - right on the Nile with a marvellous swimming pool beside which to lounge, and the Panorama with the best waiter in Egypt, quite possibly the galaxy. We've decided to do nothing but lounge for the 3 days we're here. The only problem with that is I've run out of books to read and it's driving me nuts. So I'm going to get some because if I'm nuts, so's Hilary with my bugging her night and day. The internet is pretty good too, right now. Don't hold your breath, though, because it could turn on a dime and suddenly take years to change pages.

What else? Not much, really. Life is lazy. Hil and I laugh a lot. Every time we go into the souk, they call us twins. We must walk the same, or something. I don't know.

Everyone's Christmases have sounded good and without tons of tension. How they should be. David, thanks so much for your message and the picture of FRANK. He's gorgeous. And Dodes and Mag, NZ Christmas sounds like it was completely joyous. Bill, Cis, and Mom - yours sounds great, too. Hilary and I have celebrated exactly the way we wanted to, with McDonald's and a long visit to Aladdin's. And she DID buy something else, but it's beautiful, so no harm, no foul. I didn't. (See the halo?)

We're here for 2 more days, and then we fly to Cairo. We've got one day there and in that day, we've got to visit the pyramids and then make a flying visit to the Khan el Khalili to pick up a book for a student who was having it rebound. It'll be a busy day. There is so much more to see there - it's hard to leave without having shown Hilary everything there, but next time...insha'allah.

I'll write again before we leave.

You're still there!

2008-12-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, you are! How lovely to be able to communicate like this while you both are so far away.

I've been missing our fambly this year, despite the fact that it really is no different from any other year (except last year at 32 Oxford road). But there you are; you're both (and all) missed.

Minor correction: I proposed to Carrie inside Hatshepsut's temple (building?) at Karnak (or so the guide leading the group of Germans who interrupted us told me it was... - its always a group of Germans, isn't it?).

We're home after three full days in Kingston with Carrie's family. Lots of food, too many sweets, musical beds at night with sicky kids (who've recovered quickly), and some great belly laughs with Carrie's brother Mark and his lovely partner Patrice. We gave Owen a decent camera this year - a Nikon LS18. To our utter surprise, he's become obsessed with it and already knows it much, much better than we do. Its shoots movies too and he's been busy making little films where he plays the part of some evil megalotron or other. Finney's main present was a LeapFrog Leapster 2, which is a hand-held learning device for counting and letters and so on and holds great promise for the long flights coming in February (!).

We've had an ENORmous amount of snow in short order (although it rained buckets today to keep evening dismal). We shoveled the drive three times in a day and a half, and then had to shovel again just to get the car out of the drive in order to get to Kingston on the 24th. I've done some shoveling since returning today and pondered the irony of getting soaked from rain while I heaved snow that was at least 150% water.

Carrie is well and absorbed Christmas rather well, inclusive of all the family stuff that can accompany close quarters over a few days.

The kids are currently in a bath behind me and laughing and shrieking while playing monsters, barbies, flying fishies and sunbathing pirates. All is well.

Can't wait to hear more from Weez when she returns home!

Owen's teacher has asked Owen to keep a small journal while he's in NZ, and I've thought it would be cool for him to post pictures and words on an adjunct portion of Hellum.ca while there so his class can log in and see what he's doing. Coolness. Finney can do the same for her Montessori class. I'll get started on the web templates on Monday. Its possible I'm more excited about this than they. Possible.

I would looove to do a ballon ride at Luxor some day. Perhaps a felucca trip along there sometime as well. The only felucca trip Carrie and I took was across to Elephantine from Aswan, back in 2000. I'm imagining both of you (Jen and Weez) walking together over there and its really does put a smile on my face. I am so, so, so glad you have had the chance to do something big like this together. Walking Egypt with Jen is something you'll never forget, Weez.

Apparently, shoveling watersnow gives one shoulder trouble, and so I'll cut it short here.

Love to you both and all who tune in to this excellent forum.

/timothy (and Us)

Boxing Day

2008-12-26T15:46:00.000-08:00

see the post in "Shining Like the Sun"
I published it there in error.
L:ove.Ma

Mother's admonition

2008-12-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

David,
Jealousy, envy and hatred will get you no where

QUESTION

2008-12-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

How do you get a digital picture on to a blog?
Hilary

Baie d'Urfe Text

2008-12-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Baie d'Urfe

2008-12-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

testing a lighter than air machine ? ? ?

2008-12-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

Balloon rides. Huh! I just so hate balloon rides. All that staring at a boring view, the boring quiet, and wafting along in that stupid hot-air-balloon way. I would just so hate riding in a balloon. I would hugely hate people who rode in hot air balloons too. Anyone I knew who had been flittin about in a hot air balloon – well - I‘d be straight off to Soljak Place and give their cat a cold shower. And laugh.

Yesterday: Icecream, unwrapping presents, presents that squeak with twinkly lights, petanque, ham and a cool beer. Mag gave me a book on steam trains for Christmas. As a kid I rode in them. As an adult I dream of them. Happy as a kid. This is Christmas lunch at my daughter Chrissie’s place. Mess, laughter, and I nearly got beaten at petanque by that ten year old Gemma again. Then she got bored and wandered off to whinge for chocolates. Sunny, sleepy, swapping family gossip, more food.

That morning I left Thames at 5.30am, had porridge and coffee with daughter Margaret and Mag. Kids shredded wrapping paper from some night intruder in a red suit. A scrawled sign on the fence outside said, “Stop here Santa”. Then collected kids, daughter, food, baby accessories, stuffed them in the car and drove an hour to Wellsford to Chrissies. Home to Thames 8.45pm. Fair wrung out I was. Thought about that hot balloon ride.

When I briefly called into Soljac Place I was greeted by instant purr from the bed. Old mates spend some time together. Old mate tells me he has captured hot air using the vacuum cleaner bag from the Christmas Cake oven and would I like to test his lighter than air machine first?

Soon m’lady Mag will be twiddling happily about the garden here in Thames. I’ll clear pathways, foliage and stock up some winter firewood. And receive instructions. And with an eye to longevity I shall follow them.

Then in the time honoured Thames way I shall ride up the valley, subside into a gold infested stream. Stare at the sky, ponder the meaning of life – hot bloody air balloon rides.

We, Lady Margaret and her 'umble house boy, wish you happiness and all the best. We love reading all your bits n pieces on this blog folks! Love you all. Am looking forward to Jen's photos! (none of that boring balloon stuff okay)

Balloons!

2008-12-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
After Jen hit me and made me say it three times fast it was Sakkara not Karnak and it is Karnak not carnac. Sorry. We are going to go to Karnak tomorrow and to the Luxor Temple. I am looking forward to it very much. Jen has been a great guide to have around. She has kept almost all the "Guides" and pesky others at bay. I have learned to say no thank you and now use it with great delight as it works most of the time.
We took a great balloon ride over the West Bank. Jen is readinghtis over my shoulder to make sure that I do not make any more silly mistakes so if I say ouch you know why. Ouch. I have taken over 700 pic so far and I know that I will take at least that again before this trip is over. I am having a blast with Jen. We had a great traditional dinner for Christmas. The fries were OK but the Burgers were a little salty. Going to run now and go and get some tea from Alladin's Cave. I WILL NOT BUY ANYTHING, I WILL NOT BUY ANYTHING, IWILL NOT BUY ANYTHING! (I'll try)
Love and Merry Christmas to all! Love and miss you lots!
Hilary (Weezie)

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T07:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all, we went up in the balloon this morning. It was lovely. So peaceful and quiet, plus I got some great picture to use in lectures. Then we went back to the hotel (it was 8 am), and slept until 2. The days are long and full of sun and heat and dust. After this update, we'll go to Aladdin's Cave and sit and have some tea and play with the kids. Balikh, one of the 5 Coptic brothers who run the shop, has a Scottish wife, Claire, and she brings their 3 little boys around in the late afternoon. Hilary and I play with them - Billy and Blair. Bruce is still a babe-in-arms, so we just coo at him. Billy's 2 and Blair's 6 - they are utter scamps, with lovely Scottish accents. They switch back and forth between English and Arabic at the drop of a hat, lucky beggars.

Tomorrow, our last day in Luxor, we'll hit the temples on the East Bank, Luxor and Karnak. Walkable. Karnak is enormous, and perhaps my least favourite of all the temples in Egypt (and God knows there are a lot of them); Luxor is where Tim proposed to Carrie, in the open courtyard, otherwise known as the hypostyle hall. It's lovely. We're catching a car to Aswan early the morning after, so next post will be from Aswan.

Merry Christmas, everyone! And Happy New Year!!

Love, Jen.

PS. Thanks for adding the message to Mag, Mom. She's been wondering about them.

Merry Christmas Dear Daughters

2008-12-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

Hi you two,
It was very good to hear from you and know that Hil arrived safetly and that you are enjoying your visit!
Things are fine here. Penny and her boys arrived yesterday and will go today to help Pat prepare for Christmas dinner.
We will go to enjoy the meal tomorrow around 5 p.m. Then we have another Christmas dinner with Cicely's daughter Sarah and her family.That will be on the 27th. Vancouver will get 30 cms. of snow today. That is an awful lot any where - and especially in Vancouver.
I am fine, but forgot to bring my puffer along and so today we are going to London Drugs to see if they can contact Sherwood Park and get the prescription from them. I am at the point where I need a puff or two. Otherwise, things are fine.
Penny's boys have grown feet!! Gabe is 12 and Noah is 10.
I am rambling on.
A message for Meg: Hi Meg. I thought that I had written to Doddie to thank you for the Christmas gift which arived safetly. It sits on my desk at home waiting patiently to be used - which it will be. Thank you both very much indeed. I was delighted to get it. Now I am in Victoria -2 hours flight from home - and I am sorry, but don't have your email adress with me.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all good year ahead.

Love, Ma

Uncle Bill calling

2008-12-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

Hi My lovely Nieces,

Well your Mum is with us in Victoria and that is great. She is such a great person to have around. Christmas will soon be here snow is everywhere for a change. In fact we were shovelling out our driveway this morning as well as the neighbour's one next door. ( A little old lady ) After that we had a cup of tea and then a snooze. The 20 cm snowfall has made driving difficult so Cicely and I have been donning our back packs and walking down to the grocery stores. It is great exercise.

We will have two Christmas dinners this year. One at Pat and Mike Gye's for the Gye and Spriggs Clan on the 25th and on the 27th there will be another for the Meek Clan. They all have met your Mum before so it will be like a mini reunion for her.

I have really enjoyed reading your Blog Jen and the comments that you Weezy told of your adventures so far. You girls are really having a good look around while you are in Egypt.
.
Love and Our best wishes for Christmastime and for all of 2009.

Uncle Bill.

I'm here!

2008-12-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! The internet was down the last couple of days and yesturday I just answered emails. Jen and I went to Carnac today and what a site to behold. It was so windy the sand was flying everywere and I think I got some in my camera. I'll clean it when I get home. Going to the vally of the whales with Jen's students was fabulous! My first time seeing the desert. Wow what a site! I never imagined that it would be so full of colour. Jen's students are great fun (The one's I got to know anyways). Caleb has promised to give Tim some info on New Zealand Theatre so Tim We'll talk. You'll really like Caleb and Wayne and Juliette. A great group to hang with. Jen and I are off to Luxor tomorrow in the morning and we are planning on a balloon ride on Christmas day. Best Christmas ever!! I must say that I have forgotten most of the time that it is Christmas. We spend three days there and then off to Aswan. We come back to Cairo on the 31st in the afternoon so off to the Han and Jen's favorite mosque. On the last day of my trip we are going to go to Giza to see the pyramids there. We are going to try to get tickets to go down into the tombs but we need to be there eary to do this. I hope we can as they only let in so many a day. Will write again soon and let you know about Luxor.
Love to all!
Weezie

Last day in Cairo

2008-12-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

It's so lovely to have news from everyone. I wanted to thank you all so much for contributing to this blog. So, thanks tons.

Hilary's been here since the 18th of December. We went to the Valley of the Whales for her first day, and now, she says, she understands my love of the desert. It is peaceful and quiet. And so beautiful. Today we went to see Saqqara and the Step Pyramid of Djoser, first king of Dynasty 3. The earliest stone structure in the world. It was blowing a gale - we both got sand everywhere, but it was still a very good day. AND I went with Mohammed to Mogamma to get my visa extended. That probably means nothing to any of you, but Mogamma was always pointed out to me as the hugely confusing building where they did immigration stuff and where people had been found years after being lost, mere skeletons in hallways, waiting for their turn in line. It wasn't scary at all. What a big baby I was. Always a good lesson, jumping into things I fear. They're rarely as scary from the inside, and if they are, experience has taught me that having been in terrifying positions previously, I'll get out of them again. I'm still alive, right?

The weather has been coolish for this time of year, but that makes it perfect. Except for the wind and the sand, that is.

Tomorrow, Hilary and I leave for Luxor. We're going to do the West Bank one day, a balloon ride one morning, and go to visit my friends in the souk, in Aladdin's Cave. Then on to Aswan, and back to Cairo. We have such a short time here. It's odd for me to be blipping all over the country, with only a few days in each place. I like it, though - it sort of pares it down, makes me think about what's most important.

Hil's going to be writing something - she's over in the corner typing away, so I'm going to do email. Merry Christmas, everyone! Love, Jen.

A heavy bundle of purr

2008-12-21T22:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cheer to all! My 2nd to last day of work (Mon day 23rd) and I am merrily decked out in festive tones of red, green and white. I am at work, so just a short note to check if Hilary Snr and Kore received their Christmas presents, sent 27 Nov. I seem to have lost most of my emaii addresses otherwise I would email you.
I hope you are all well, and much love to you Jen. Bill slept all night on my bed, and most of it very close to me, a very heavy bundle of purr.

Mag xxxxx

I caught a ball on the full !

2008-12-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

Long, warm shadows across the patter of debris over the Firth of Thames. 8.00pm. Today a high of 35° and today I caught a ball on the full.

A beach reserve, tall, elderly pine trees whisking the wind, low scurrying cloud. Three sea gulls, hovering, undecided like me, ‘Poppa’, playing beach cricket with the grandchildren. They shout ‘LBZ’ and ‘BWP’ sounding names with great knowingness.

Run!” and clutching beach cricket implements they abandon that shrine, that important post, the three sticks in the ground with a bit of kindling teetering on the top. They sprint and the rest of the family grovel and whoop about the three sticks. This is the exciting part of beach cricket. A moment of entropy and critters are sprinting, shouting, clutching and dropping things. Like our economy.

I caught the ball on the full. Surprise, exclamation! From me. The kids just carry on. My last game of cricket was at training college. “Come on, just one ‘over’.” Then it was over. Boisterous cricketers became kindly, earnest counsellors. “Coordination is not everything,” they cooed. They aired Alternative Activities.

If you see three pine cones in a heap near children who are quite tuckered out then that pine cone pile is a ball throwing place. The place where the ball is arched over and above your shoulder. This gyration is to destroy your aim to give the sprinter a fair go. Because the sprinter has to lug that piece of wood used to drive in those three sticks I talked about with the kindling balanced on top. If that kindling goes it’s party time.

I have caught the ball three or four times in my life and am very happy to share those precious, albeit moments of mystery, over a quality bourbon. Or two. Two bourbons do not at all affect my catching ability.

Jen. The soft and elegant thud of a petanque boule awaits you here in Thames.
.d

A White Christmas

2008-12-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hi you two,
Here I am in Victoria - early morning and Bill is out shovelling away a massive dump of snow. It could be Edmonton except that it is not as cold and is damper. It will indeed be a white Christmas!
We are going on Christmas day to have turkey with Pat and Mike and Alison and I think Penny and the boys. On the 27th we are going to have a post-Christmas Meek celebration at Sarah's place. We are to bring old second hand gifts. Fortunately I did bring some.
Cicely's son Tony and his wife, Alex, are here. They came last night and took us out to a wonderful mediteranean restaurant.
They are here to celebrate with Alexes children tonight I think. (it is Sunday here-Dec 21 - shortest day in the yeat and the beginning of winter.)
Then on Boxing Day there is a hike up Mout Douglas and soup and stuff after at the McLellans.
Talk to you later,
Love,
Mum

2008-12-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

news from Victoria

2008-12-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hi Jen,
Your mum is here with us, having just arrived for a Christmas visit, which is going to be white for a change.
Cold for us, only minus 5 but we're wimps!
Cicely and I are well, and have been invited to two Christmas dinners along with your mum and if we want to, there is a hike up Mt. Douglas on Boxing day.
So sorry to hear about your financial loss. It seems we are all at risk when we are travellers.
You have had difficulties, but you have seemed to turned your life around and I hope that the rest of the trip is extra special for you.
Lots of love and best wishes from Bill and Cicely.

Hi Love,
Dad drove me to the air port at the fine hour of 6:30 this moning. He warned me that if the temperature is below minus 30 when I get back, that he would not come out to get me. I am not worried! I had a smooth trip here except that I realized that I still had my house keys with me! So I phoned Dad and alerted him to the fact that he would need to get the keys from their hiding place.
We are having lovely cool weather right now, and it is good indeed to be here again with Bill and
Cicely. I hope that you both will have a great time together, and we look forward to additions to your blog.
Lots of love and hugs from Mum

Thinking of Youse

2008-12-19T03:15:00.001-08:00

When a kid in Wyoming asked his nanny why she always said "youse kids", she replied "well, there are two of youse." I know that I have told you this many times - just wanted to make you feel at home.
I wrote a comment that seemed to attached its self to Tim's lovely note and now the comment has disappeared. It is early and the car ride to the airport leaves here at 6:30.
Just really wanted to let you know that I have you in my thoughts, and have been thinking about Hilary Louise arriving and being met and so on.
I had supper with dad - special treat of shrimp before the meal (with orange juice not Gin and Tonic).
Will write from Victoria.
Love,
Mum

So magnified

2008-12-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hey Jen,

I remember very clearly how it feels to be away from home and have things happen. For me, at least, everything gets magnified. Joy is huge; great overbounding gulps of it. Forbearance requires patience that is almost completely unattainable. Anger threatens international agreements. Sadness wells up like the pitch of an empty elevator shaft.

But mum is right. One thing that we are good at, is soldiering on. I think that's the brit part of us. I have every conviction that you're tapped into this part of yourself, and your remarks about not letting events snow you under here-below are proof of that. Well done.

I wish wish wish I were flying in with Weezie. Hopefully she found the hotel alright. You are *so* lucky to have her with you now. She's more of a rock than you or I, and I suspect you'd agree with that.

love,

/timothy

Wednesday in Thames

2008-12-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hello dear Jen
I have just read your blog, and am very sad and upset for you having to deal, in Egypt with all your responsibilities, with the death of your friend Diane. I am really pleased Hilary is coming over and you will have time to talk and reflect.

Your darling Bill is an affectionate little tyke - he even did me the honour of a most gentle nip on my nose last week - just enough to let know it was time I shouldered MY responsibilities and jolly well got out of bed and fed him. After all, it was 5.10am and he had had a busy night. I felt quite loved! He does little purrs too, especially when he is damp (= soaked) from the rain and needs to push up close to me in bed. He is eating well, and not into fights.

This week I am working Thurs and Friday (which is why it is Wednesday in Thames) and also Monday and 1/2 of Tuesday next week. Then Christmas. I have made two Christmas cakes would you believe - one is a classic cake and the other a Lois Daish (great NZ cook) who has a recipe for a Christmas Cake which includes 250g dark chocolate - I made this for Aunty Trish! Maybe I should decorate it with a cheerio or two. And a side helping of whipped cream. With a dollop of chicken fat.

Anyone else reading this will understand that these are family jokes!
Aunty Trish is my sister Patricia (do not ever let her know I call her Aunty - a friend not family joke) who has a great fondness for the above foods.

Bye for now dear Jen and lots of love

Mag

It is good to hear

2008-12-16T04:45:00.000-08:00

but I feel very sad over the loss of Diane. Hard for you my love, being so far away. My thoughts are with you.
There is one thing about Hellums - we get knocked, and we get up and get going. I have seen it in all of us. Thank goodness.
Thank you for your email and for the blog. Yesterday I read about a bus south of Cairo that went into a canal, drowning several people - including university students. I panicked inside, and phoned dear Tim, who was able to assure me that if the students had been from the west, we would have known immediately.
It has been very hard work for you and your TAs. I hope that it will all end well.
Lots of love, Ma

I dunno 'bout this...

2008-12-16T00:59:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Well, I have to say I don't know when I've had a more difficult time in Egypt. First of all, in Luxor, I found that the bank machines were saying to Egypt that I'd taken out money when I hadn't been able to, and I've lost over $1000 NZD from my account, unretrievable. Thanks, Mom and Hil, for stepping into that breach. It makes me feel ill that this has happened. I have some lovely friends here, who have been taking me out to dinner. Thank heavens the breakfasts are free and buffet, so I can eat in the morning, and steal some buns and cheese for lunch.

Hardest of all has been for me the recent news that Diane Kriger has passed away. It's funny - I've always thought that we should just say 'died' but I find myself unable to use that word now. I miss her presence in the world like I'd miss a lung. And that's all I can say right now.

For a while, I was thinking that this might be my last class trip to Egypt. It all has seemed so very difficult this time, pretty much in no way fun, and if there isn't fun to be had here, there's only strife, and I saw no reason to come back. But I've changed my mind. Yup, it's been hard, and it's been extraordinarily stressful, but it's still been good watching the students discover things, and they've been really an amazing group for getting out and doing things on their own. This has been a learning experience for me - not as many, next time, and a tighter selection process for who should come. I kept thinking that the number of people didn't really matter, that once you'd reached a number over, say, 15, that it made no difference to group dynamics or organisation of the trip. Well, it does. Even with 3 fantastic aides - Sue, Caleb, and Wayne - it has been quite an ordeal in organisation and trying to endeavour that everyone has a reasonable experience. Ultimately, I do understand that it isn't up to me if people have a good time or not, but I do think it's my responsibility to see that they have the same opportunities to have a good time. If that makes sense.

Okay, I think I'm going to cut this off, for now. The internet in Aswan is expensive and slow, like you wouldn't believe, and I don't want to tempt fate. Thanks to everyone for their messages. I LOVE the picture of Bill, David, and of the pohutakawa. We're leaving for Cairo tomorrow morning by plane, and I'll get online once I'm up there and settled again. Abigail, how much are the Mandy P tickets? I'd really like to see him sing. And thanks so much for looking after the little reprobate. I miss everyone in NZ very much.

Love, Jen.

Love to everyone, Jen.

Hi Dear Jen

2008-12-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

Early morning here. Good time last night - after the concert, Judy Johnson, Irma and Dad and I went back to Irma's place for supper and lively conversation.
I hope that I have learned how to put in a title to this blog. We'll see.
Love, Mum

Jen

2008-12-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

I am at Hilary Louise's and have had a good pancake lunch and am sipping my tea

Shortly I have to leave for the Winspear and ProCoro, then on to Irma's for dinner with Hilary. So, with a few minutes of spare time. How are you doin anyway? I should try to hook into your blog back home. I have tried a couple of times and failed so gave up, but i will try again.

We have -30 here today and on my way out here to StAlbert I saw at least 6 cars stranded probably with frozen gas lines. It is a real wake-up call for us who have had such a mild fall this year.

The cats here attack each other just like mine do at home too because they cannot go outside. Hilary Louise has gone to have a quick shower while I type away here in the kitchen. The house is very quiet and only Melissa is home. Mike just went out and neither Sydney nor Dylan are home.

This laptop is really nice but I am sticking with my old machine for a while yet. How are you managing without a computer? I understand you go looking for a cafe for access but that will not be so easy as you get to remoter areas. Right?

Well, Mike is back and things are starting to get busier so I will sign off now. Take care and have a really good session with your students.

Dad

The cats here are a bit batty because of the cold

The Aroma of Christmas Cake

2008-12-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

The C.E.O. is in the kitchen. It's a new kitchen. Tradesmen. Water off. Power off. Plumbers whistling. Cats peering from behind the sofa.

Finished.

I think it all started repairing a washer.

Shelves, lighting, wondrous cascades of filtered water our kitchen, our new kitchen is turned on.

So the Current Sheila is stirring, mixing ingredients, and before the stove (turned on) muttering calculus and physics concerning currents, butter and flour, time and mass. Christmas time. A time for cake baking, magic aromas and time proven recipes that once our grandmothers cussed over. A time for loving, giving and forgiving. A time when all the rellies on God's Earth come down to here Thames and polish off my Christmas Cake, the wretches.

I have been down to the supermarket with lists and hissed orders to "Be Back Soon!" - and "don't you DARE go near that petanque terrain!" I stalk the supermarket shelves with fear in my eyes.

Oh, by the way, Merry Christmas to all Jen's family, met and hitherto unmet. If the unmet ones are like the ones I have met you are lovely people and would be more than welcome to pay us a visit. Our generosity knows no bounds. Keep OUT of the Christmas tin.

Sorry, goodwill and good cheer to you all.

Picture is the New Zealand Christmas Tree. It flowers just before Christmas. To us confirmation that summer is here! Yippee! and happy memories as kids chasing, lazing on beaches and tucking into the rellies' Christmas cake.

Oh if any of you lovely folk have Christmas cake uneaten...

dodie

old codger

Thames

I'm a Comin!

2008-12-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

I'm a comin Jen! Just hang on and things will be great when I get there! I promise!

2008-12-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

Hi Jen,
I have been following your blog and have written on post - I am here and all is well. I went to 2 concerts yesterday - both good and both Christmasy of course.
We are finally getting a bit of cold weather - it has been an extended fall here.
Dad and I have been having meals together - not all meals but every couple of days or so. He was up here yesterday for breakfast and I am going down there tonight for supper. He is in good spirits.
Our cats have gone on an eating problem binge - "The best is good enough for them"
I am leaving for Victoria on the 19th - having supper at Hil's next Saturday.
25 is a lot to shepard around. I am holding you in the light. And am really sorry about all your losses. I have that problem too - when over tired I lose stuff.
Let me know if you get this. If I don't hear from you I will contact Tim and find out what I am doing wrong.
Clean up day to-day.
Love you,
Mum

Still Luxor

2008-12-08T00:58:00.000-08:00

Still here, and we have the first full day off. It's lovely, but everyone's body has been set for waking early, so some got up for breakfast and have gone back to bed. I wandered around with Sue looking for an internet place, and have found one, as you see. T0day is the Eid (eed), the big feast in honour of Abraham not killing his son Isaac at the behest of Allah (a Muslim portion of the Quran as well as the Christian part of the Bible). Each house slaughters a four-legged animal - goat, sheep, cow, bullock - in the streets and the meat gets shared around. So, on the search, we had to avoid large pools of animal blood and in one case, a slaughtered cow. I find that quite difficult - killing or mistreating animals is getting to be more and more of an issue for me.

David, thanks so much for the picture of Fra Billio. He looks just so regal, lovely boy. I promise to leap into your lap and gaze adoringly into your face just for that. I do miss him and everyone in Auckland.

Yeah, Tim, it's the difference between doing things in the travel industry and otherwise. I am appalled at the costs, and because I feel personally responsible for it, I can't ask everyone to pay up. So I feel kind of loaded down with 25 lots of bakshiish. There's no way I can pay, of course, but it feels that I SHOULD. Anyway. A very good reason for not taking 25 people again. I have to say that Mohammed has been really, really lovely about it all. He's been marvellous.

We're off to Dendara and Abydos tomorrow, with talks at both places. Then we have 2 more free days for people to see things on the West Bank that we didn't get to yesterday, and then we're off to Aswan. At some time on the 2 remaining free days here, we're going up in a balloon again. It was so beautiful last time. Hil, we'll do that when you're here, too. Which reminds me, Tim, I completely agree that we need to do something, all three of us together, before we reach 70. It would be lovely to be able to do it in a foreign country, but even just in Canada (is that a foreign country to me now?) would be marvellous.

Okay, I've got to go now. I'll write again soonish. Mum, where are you?

and it's Oy from Thames

2008-12-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

Where do these guys come from?
A few years back I dug up a weed patch occasionally used as a car park and landscaped it. It meant more weeding but recently to our delight a family of frogs have moved in. Pictured is Kaspar, an Australian Bell frog, the biggest. ‘Hopping over the ditch’ has a new meaning.

Hairy Varmint.
With the frequent changing of the guard in the apartment text messages are dispatched regarding Bill’s health, where he slept, and where he’s been sculling off to during the day. Last night, staying in town, I was concerned he had wandered some distance and for some time. The Indian family next door had a wedding. The most wonderful costumes. And most vigorous dance music. Not at all Bill’s cup of tea.

At 2.30am I was woken by a thudding weight landing on my chest. Purring up my nose. A delight and such a relief.

I mention, in my own quiet way that not once, not once Jen, have you leapt into my lap and looked admiringly into my eyes. Not for me to complain

Summer time.

Daylight at 5.20am and my own lads (wiLLim & rubbydunkin) scamper over the bed awaiting their morning walk. Coffee and toast, lingering in the morning sun on our front porch, in front of our best ever display of poppies is the best start to the day for a young lad in his prime.

Have now finished all the big commitments for the year at last. This is why I have been slow to add anything.

A couple of nights ago we had our poetry final which I won! It was all about the olden days when we first started coming here to the Coromandel as kids.

Today got accepted for a quartet to sing ‘Route 66’ for our February concert. Life ain’t not never dull here in lil ole Thames. Enjoy your trip – love to all your family!
Dodes