:)

Here I come ready or not

2010-06-28T11:01:00.005+12:00

Haha not too sure if Colin (my new boss) knows what he's in for :)

Was unemployed for 2 days and thats long enough.

"Smaller company.....bigger heart" ohhhh that sounds like a sales pitch :)

SEE YA

2010-06-26T07:33:00.009+12:00

Can't believe that its been a year since I wrote on this blog......its not that I didn't have anything to write about it been more about Ive had other things on my mind.....and now that Ive hopefully sorted it out Ill have more time to concentrate on myself and (more importantly) my beautiful family :)

I quit my job at Johnston's Coachlines today!!
As some of you maybe aware life at JCL has not gone smoothly since the take over 2 years ago and try as I have it just became too much for me.

It was one of the hardest things I've had to do and with limited options
1.Stay and slowly die from the inside
2.Leave
3.Read about me in a eye witness account "Yeah he parked the bus up,calmly walked to his car and returned with a 12 gauge shotgun......that's when the shooting started"

I thought better to leave.

I didn't realise but the stress at my job (which I thought I was dealing with and not bringing home) was really effecting Keiko and Mana too so when Mana climbed into bed with us the other night and asked if I was ok and I said "Yeah I'm fine" and she said "but you are always sad so I am sad too......." that was it for me.
We asked her the next morning if she wanted me to stop working there and she said without any hesitation "Mmmmm yup "

Like I sad it was a very difficult decision for me and the hardest part was the realization that over the last 15 years at Scenic I have worked,met (and became life long friends) with some of the most "awesome-ist" people from here and overseas.

I've got another job already and I will still be driving (start on Monday).... for "Guthreys Coachlines" www.guthreys.co.nz they are also tied in with "Greenrealm" www.greenrealmtravel.com

Small family business with a awesome family atmosphere and customer values....

Homecooked dinner

2009-12-01T17:44:00.016+13:00

FINALLY.....got out for a surf today,it wasn't epic but having endured "months" of 6-8 ft SW swell and howling off shores it was soooo good albeit a little strange to have the wind blowing another direction.

Got home in time to have a bite to eat and Keiko and I curled up in front of the TV to just "VEG OUT" until we had to pick up Mana.

Mana came home and after she did all her chores we went out for a bike ride.

On our return we decided to dig some of our new potatoes for dinner where K set about rustling up a culinary delight.

I got some Snapper off the crew of "Zefiro" last night some Lettuce off Bob (up the road) Potatoes from our own garden and Keiko's homemade bread the only thing that we brought were the Tomatoes and the the tomato sauce.......that Mana "insisted" we have on our thinly sliced potatos/chips....... and of course the Bombay gin and lemonade hehe

And how Japanese/Kiwi is this...... Mana was eating grilled Snapper with Soya sauce and using Hashii she then got a piece of bread chucked in some potatos with tomato sauce!

A not so normal night

2009-11-15T23:04:00.008+13:00

Last night was no diffrent from any other night.....Keiko and I were sitting in the lounge when she almost leaped up and hit the ceiling.

There under the wall unit was this little mouse just peaking around saying "Hey guys whats up??"

K's scream didn't help any and he shot across the lounge to the safety of the TV unit.

My whare my rules and no mouse has a safe haven inside so as I carefully dismantled and moved the various bits of furniture to cut down the "little vermin's" hiding spots the lounge now resembled a war zone.

By this time Mana was up with K's scream echoing thru the house.....but on seeing the state of the lounge she suddenly became VERY interested....until the mouse made another mad dash with both K and Mana screaming in tandam (well like girls)

We had cornered the little bugger but were still unable to get to it until K had a brilliant idea and with the introduction of a $500 Dyson vacuum cleaner.....one Field Mouse!

Mana in a box??

2009-11-14T20:37:00.009+13:00

Got home this evening to have K tell me we received a box from Obaachan today......Yah I thought as its probably containing lots of yummy things....what a surprise to find my daughter squezzed and packed tightly.

With a quick glance back......she was off

2009-08-02T17:58:00.009+12:00

Today Mana thought it was about time for the training wheels to come off........and off they came and away she went :)

Hahahaha laughing hysterically like a girl

2009-07-25T15:21:00.021+12:00

I just cant believe my luck this weekend it was so bizarre that it bordered on the insane!!

All this AND I was getting paid to surf?? I mean what is up with that???

I dropped my P2P group off in Hamilton on Friday and rather than drive back to Auckland (116 kms) "work" decided to put me up in a Hotel for the weekend (cue Tool Time's Tim Allen Aiiiiiiiii?)

My mate John (bloody legend) left his Ute at the hotel for me to use and use it I will the Friday surf report has things shaping up for a EPIC weekend of waves.

0600 the next morning still in a bit of a daze and not quite believing the situation Im in...... I set off into the darkness, doing my very best to see thru the iced up window and navigating along Highway 23 .....did I mention I'm getting PAID?

RAGLAN here I come...

My pulse was racing as I pulled up to the lookout of Manu Bay (the photo is all blurry cause my hands were shaking so much and it had nothing to do with the freezing temperature)

I parked up Johns ute and the sun just started to rise and I looked at my options.

There was a SOLID 4-5ft SW swell (with the odd 6ft set) with a very light offshore,a few of the local crew were already out smashing the crap out of the long left so I decided to take on "Bone yards" and try and avoid the "local-ism"

Althought the morning was crystal clear and beautiful the cold was like a whip "crack" I thought to myself that I cant wait to get out of this cold and into the warm water (13.3c)

The paddle out over the rocks and thru the close out sets was right up there with the "now why didn't I go thru Manu Bay "

Once I got out it was amazing and with only 6 others there were more than enough to go around with a light offshore grooming the constant barrage of waves wrapping around the point.

The crew down there are SO spoilt with the quality of waves no wonder Raglan consistently turns out talented surfers.

As the tide filled in Bone yards lived up to its reputation as being a difficult wave both to get on and to find a "safe" paddle out,the long paddle thru Manu Bay to the boat ramp (and much safer option) never entered my head I was so cold after 2 and a half hours that I just blindly followed a guy in hoping for the best.

Once again the second guessing came into play as a wave picked me up and rocketed me thru the shallows over the rocks to......some more rocks, when I stood up another wave came in a swept me over to land squarely on me rump (ARSE) just to make sure I understood and to show a bit of respect.

I popped around to Greg's place for a cuppa tea and we watched the action from his lounge

(This is the view from his lounge window).

Awesome house that hes been building/living in for the last 20 something years with a million dollar view and we just had to have a wee laugh at the 2 unfortunate souls that came unstuck on the rocks too. :)

Ka mau te wehi!!!

Mount 2

2009-07-11T16:08:00.010+12:00

We woke this morning to a absolutely beautiful day and The Mount was just looking picture perfect from our accommodation of the Twin Towers so while eating our way thru "another" big breakfast a plan was made to climb to the top.

Mana chan was all keen but and after last months attempt (she only made it to the first gate) I wasn't too sure but she said that she wants to climb up with Ojiicahn and Obaachan...and that was that.

Surprisingly Mana stormed passed the first gate and she seemed quite happy to admit that "Last time I only made it to here....." and as we approached the first fork in the track she read the sign,pointed in the direction we should go and just well......cracked the whip.

We got to the top and I rung K to let her know we made it and to stand out by the surf club so we can see her.

I don't know what was funnier Keiko standing waving frantically or Mana yelling at the top of her lungs "Can you see me I have a pink shirt on......."

No task is without its rewards and a Gelato/Yogurt/Sorbet ice cream seemed just the thing to top it all off

Mana paid the price for her cracking pace up and on the way down was heard to moan that she was tired and as usual I played her game (I love it) and gave her a piggy back (some) of the way down.

We all made it down in one piece and were all VERY happy with our effort of conquering "The Mount"

Mount

2009-07-11T16:03:00.012+12:00

With Mum and Dad over it would just be wrong not to go on a little trip and Ive been looking forward to this for ages (I think I booked the accommodation in March) and even tho space was at a premium in my car,with Surfboard tied on the roof and all family members accounted for we were off to the Mount.

First stop Karangahake just to soak in the....well the awesome weather.

The local wildlife (a failtail) decided to flutter and twitter about and follow us as we stirred up small insects while we walked on the banks of the stream.

Then at Wahi to have a look at the "Big hole"

Although the sun was setting it and it was getting abit on the chilly side we wrapped up and walked to Motoriki island (during low tide you can walk to it) so we could catch the last rays and watch the sunset.

That's when the fun began.....

Dinner tonight was at "The Mount Bistro" which is taking part in the "Wild Food Challenge" so we were tempted with a variety of local (and very wild) dishes.

Keiko had the Steak and Kora Mum and Dad had the Scallops,Mana of course had the Fish and Chips and I had the "Wild Winter Thyme-Beer & a Hot bird" which was Seared Ostrich fillety rubbed with flax seed and chestnut dukkah on warm winter salad of lee,fennel,phoenix mushrooms,pink fir potatoes and chestnuts with a hearty ostrich phoneix and chestnut pie.....matched with the smooth warmth of Monteiths Winter Ale,Doppelbock.

Hmmmmmm all I saw was Pie & Beer :)

We finished off with the "World Famous" (in New Zealand) Desert selection ......ummmmm yum!

Nga Tama Toa

2009-07-07T10:27:00.020+12:00

Gees what felt like weeks I'm finally getting to the end of "Nga Tama Toa-The price of Citizenship".
Absolutely fantastic,felt like with each page I was being drawn into the very lives these young men (boys) and families were living from the initial call up,the overseas deployment the fighting and to the very emotional return home.
The boys from "The Coast" really paid the ultimate sacrifice.....

The hardship and the daily struggle the boys faced was amazing to say the least

I spose Ive also got a better understanding of what went on from a military/documentary point of view.

Cotton hardly ever spoke of what happened over there to me and even when he did it was VERY vague.

I wanted to press it but was always to scared (and respectful) to ask,when I did ask a Uncle or Aunt ld always get the "Waiho mate wa" (give it time)

The back section is entitled Tairawhiti Men of the 28 (Maori) Battalion and has photos (again of the young men) who fought during 1939-1945 that time and as I and then the turned to page 393 I saw my Grandfather.

Werohia ki waho ra te urauranga o te ra Te-Poho-o Hawaiki,ka tuhakehakea te kowiwini ka tuhakehakea te kowawana....."
(Speed your canoe to the East directly into the flames of the rising sun to the homeland of Hawaiki there you will stand face to face with the ancestors,they of the multitudes of dread and the hordes of the fierce)

Happy Matariki

2009-06-28T23:00:00.024+12:00

Last Thursday marked the start of the Maori New Year here in Aotearoa, which falls on the first new moon after the constellation Matariki appears low in the NE sky.

You probably know the constellation as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, in other countries it goes by diffrent names, Arabic الثريا (al-Thurayya) Persian call it ثريا (Sorayya) ,Korean 좀생이(Jomsaeng-i) , Japanese 昴 (Subaru) ,Persian & Indian (Parveen) ,In Turkey its (Ülker ,Aztecs (Tianquiztli ) and my favorite...the Ukrainians call it Стожари (Stozhary.....go on say it)...just sounds so cool aye?

"Matariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki).
There are lots of stories about the meaning and how they came about but I like this one that when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother were separated by their offspring, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became angry, tearing out his eyes and hurling them into the heavens.

Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui.Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e!
(Matariki re-appears, Whānui starts its flight.
Being the sign of the year!

Used also as a indicator that the seasons are changing so a good time to get out in the garden and start planting........

No real photos so you'll have to use your imagination

2009-06-12T14:36:00.022+12:00

This morning I was woken by Mana asking if I was awake......well I wasn't.....but now I am (thanks very much) switched on the radio to listen to the George FM Surf report and was pleasantly surprised hmmm........doesn't sound too bad.

Breakfast done I checked the net........ Gloomy morning, we have a building WNW swell 3-5ft with the odd bigger 6ft set showing, and a strong offshore/corsshore NNE blowing, so it is clean, but with a little ruffle to it. HEAPS more energy in the ocean this morning with a stormy look to it but good waves to be had if you preared to make the trek and search for them.

Hmmm......while I'm doing that my beautiful wife came in to say she's just made some Pineapple cake and Raisin scones......and did I want some? (bit of a silly question really)

I can hear the C130 Hercules doing a engine run at the Airbase which could only mean one thing.......OFFSHORE (either that or we are at war and even if we are it will still be going when I get back from a surf so no worries)

During the 35 minute drive out to "Spot X" I found myself smiling away to myself, firstly knowing that I have the weekend off ,secondly there will still be some of K's Pineapple cake to munch on when I get home and lastly the prospect of getting into some West coast action.

Still wet from yesterdays surf I kind of had a interesting time to get into my wetsuit but after 10 minutes I headed off over the "many" sand dunes" to the beach as I climbed up the last dune I could hear the "CRACK" of the waves as they exploded just off the point which sent my mind racing thinking of what was in store......woohoo!!!
I got to the top and though the rain I could just make out........WOW!!! (another word would be HOLLY CRAP!!!)
I could see a very respectable 4-5 ft of clean SW lines (like corrugated iron all the way out to the horizon......WOW!!)
The wind by now had increased from strong to now a "howling offshore" and what may have seemed as a "mad keen" surfer running eagerly (in the rain) to get into the action was actually the wind catching my board and not so "gently" encouraging me into a jog/ canter so as not to fall flat on my face.

Getting out was going to be a really mission with a incoming tide and HUGE amounts of water flowing and my first duck dive took my breath away and left me gasping for air as the cold water instantly drilled into my head......but the constant bombardment of the point "spurred" me on as my arms became a blur and I continued on :)

FINALLY after paddling (like) forever I made it out the back and set about taking in my surroundings and I watched wave after wave lazily roll in only to met up with the previous wave bounce back and refract off the rocks to mutate into a twisted tortured mass of boiling madness.....again WOW!!
10minutes passed.....Right enough of this I thought and I paddled for next wave.......Geez it "screamed" towards me like a freight train with its one and only purpose.....to mow me down like a bug I can remember someone saying once "If ya gonna go.....then bloody GO!!!"

So I did...and with confidence flowing through my veins (and blocking my natural "fight or flight" instinct I paddled even harder.

I could feel my speed increase as the wave lifted me and within half a second I was up and driving off the bottom (what a feeling) it was short lived and things then turned to custard :(

My left foot slipped off the board with the lip fully pouncing on me like a Tiger on its prey and I thought ........."Huh this is gonna be interesting".......funny but as I was sucked up the face and hurled over the falls.....interesting probably wasn't really an accurate description.

I kinda "cartwheeled" then rag doll-ed it at the bottom of the face then as the main body (and power) of water caught up with me I was forced down even deeper.

Relax,relax it'll be sweet I keep saying to myself......funny I was really relaxed and along with it being pitch black (picture included not actual photo from under the wave) it was calmingly quiet.
5 seconds became 10 or was it 15? time went on and I was still down (I knew I was deep cause I could feel the pressure squeezing my body) it was about now I was thinking "you know...air would be good round about now"

Then as if Tangaroa heard me and confident that I had now been well and truly "whooped" she released her strangle hold on me and I surfaced.
I looked around to see 4 other surfers climbing the imaginary ladder,looking like stunned Lemmings with wide eyes and grinning from ear to ear one let out a "Wooohoo" shouting "That was intense......." I responded with my best Saturday night party "HOOT" at the sheer stupidity of the situation.

The next 2 hours I surfed with.....great some waves.....some great wipeouts.....WOW.... and as I made my way thru the shallows and back over the sand hills I swore I could faintly hear the first lines of Te Rauparaha's famous Haka "Ka Mate!Ka Mate! Ka Ora Ka Ora" It is death,it is death...... it is life,it is life!

Ka mau te wehi :)

Nabe for the novice

2009-06-12T14:35:00.015+12:00

Well not really K has some pretty mean culinary skills and this is just one of them.

Last authentic Nabe we had in Japan was with friends while camping (Sept 2008 Camping in Nagano) and just a couple of weeks ago here in NZ we went to a friends house just a for a "Nabe Night" and that was a success but tonight its all about the whanau style.:)

So first you need a special clay pot ( 土鍋) and a portable gas stove you take all the ingredients Chinese Cabbage, Chicken, Fish (in this case Snapper but it can be any white fish really) bit of Fish stock some more veggies like Spring Onions, Diakon (radish) ,Tofu, Shiitake mushrooms serve it with pipping hot Steamed rice in a bowl and don't neglect.....the Beer or warm Sake (or 2) of course.

Get some yummy"dipping sauce" going on Soya sauce,Lemon include grated garlic, butter, red pepper the only limitations are what you can (or cant) lay your hands on and your own imagination.

It probably sounds alittle on the bland side but believe me with all the "bit and pieces" its just one big meal.

We told Mana along time ago that eating fish eyes makes her eyes brighter (its true,they are indeed good for you)......and I guess both K and I falling off our seats trying to screen our faces and putting on sunglasses doesn't do anything to dispel the myth so she's right into it and is always asking if she can have the fish eyes :)

Go on give it a go try it at home with your family of friends with whatever local stuff you can get your hands sit around the table while its cooking (not sit down at the table once its ready)

Have your say as to what goes in...try some Udon noddles (there the long trick ones AND remember "a family that eats together,stays together"

Tauranga

2009-06-10T23:36:00.013+12:00

Opps don't know what happened to this blog but I forgot to post it.
One of those rare opportunities "popped" up and my girls were able to join me on tour (well not quite but "on" tour but they did stay with me) a couple of nights.

The awesome-ly cool (and extremely good looking staff at Oceanside put me up in a two bedroom apartment.

Which meant we didn't have to squeeze in and had the added bonus of 2 bedrooms one of which was set up for kids so it had......BUNKS!
Mana was super excited at having 2 beds to choose from and it took her awhile to get the whole concept of a bed on top of a bed.

I was still working so I left them to it while I took the group out to dinner,only to return to find Mana "still" very much awake and launching into a verbal chorus of what I shall call "giggley goo" about how her and Mummy did this and went there followed by "and then we ate......."

Now its never polite to turn up empty handed and I didn't fail.

Dinner was at the "Mount Bistro" and I had managed to secure a small selection of Steven Barry's "WORLD" famous (in New Zealand) deserts.

Mana had just cleaned her teeth but when she saw the Gold Kiwifruit burlee,the Pecan pie and the Chocolate cake she said "I can clean my teeth again....." (cue puppy dog look)

It was consumed with great vigour (politely out "they scoffed it")

Mana and I had plans to climb the Mount the next morning and she initially she was keen as but it only lasted to the first gate before Mana announced she was tired......oh well don't really blame her it
It wasn't an entirely wasted trip as it was a beautiful morning and we got to see some black faced sheep up close (and there poohs) and a Police car....hmmmm a Police car I have no idea what the attraction is ??

Tooth

2009-06-07T16:48:00.006+12:00

Finally!!

After what seemed like months of waiting Mana's tooth has finally relinquished its hold on her......... and all of us as we no longer have to put up with the "Look see how wiggly my tooth is (this is followed by her trusting her face towards you while her middle finger is pushing said loose tooth fowards and back to show that it is indeed loose )

Now my 6 year old is sporting a gap that you could probably drive a truck through (but only when she smiles)

She was so excited one the fact that her tooth actually came out and two she's going to get a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

Some interesting facts on tooth fairy's.

Did you know that they need the teeth to construct various bits of furniture in there castle (which is also made of teeth)

Not content with just "stuffing" her tooth under her pillow and hoping for the best.She carefully wrote probably the cutest letter ever......."Dear tooth fairy Thank you for the money that you give me. Can you wake me up when you are here and I can introduce you to my family"Along with a drawing of her asleep.

So tooth carefully wrapped up she placed it under her pillow......."

Garden

2009-04-21T00:21:00.014+12:00

Well that time has come to look back on 2008 and to pay abit of respect to good ole Mother Earth or Papatuanuku for providing the whanau with a good supply of peas, spinach, cauliflower, corn,tomatoes Carrots (actually not that great with these) pumpkin and watermelon.

The other day Mana and I re dug everything and we have set about planting the next seasons crops......not so much fun now as the weather has turned a bit yukky but all the same we had abit of fun.

So far we have planted Spinach (again) Spring onions ,Chinese Cabbage,Radish and I'm just waiting for our seed potatoes to sprout.

I really love getting in (more correctly out) and growing things and both Mana and I have graduated to the next level we are now at the stage where we know the difference between a weed and a veggie plant hahaha

As I write this our "Winter" crop has already started to provide us with the odd veggie or two :)

Easter 09

2009-04-12T21:05:00.013+12:00

All set and ready to go Easter 2009 was shaping up to be quite a nice wee event at the Waiariki whare.
After coming off 5 days straight of alittle bit silly early shift on Airbus I was super looking forward to spending some time away from work and with the whanau.

I had hidden some little treats around the house along with a list of clues to figure out and Mana was all over it she was dashing from one end of the house (inside and out) like her tail was on fire. (gee what some people will do for chocolate)

To complete the "Easter" experience take one small (and cute) chocolate Easter bunny....
Place said small and cute in plastic bag..............give child large (and heavy) rolling pin (WARNING do not give a 6 year old a carpenters hammer for this task)........AND smash!!!

2009-03-10T21:35:00.005+13:00

Mana came home tonight with homework (as you would expect) and I asked her if she needed help.

Of course she said yes and we set about trying to think of words that had a double "ZZ" of a double "FF" in it.

Sounds like as easy enough task (for a adult) but I tell you what its actually quite hard........what about you.

How many words can you come up with????

Thank goodness for the Oxford dictionary.

Mum joined in and they both came up with SIZZLE at the same time.

Catching up......with work and friends

2009-01-04T21:12:00.016+13:00

The day started out as a typical "Day off" with Mana compiling a list the of "little" jobs for us to do.

She got a bit carried away with the jobs and not all of them were completed but the ones in and around the garden cutting tree stumps, cleaning the garden, weeding, planting "another" crop of Spinach (first one went just like that such is the demand for veggies in the Waiariki household) were all taken care of.

Anyway I got a email from a friend Anna last night (its been years since we last "crossed paths") and with her living in Germany and now in France it was a awesome opportunity to catch up .

Mana was soooooo excited and she was really trying to impress Anna with pictures, certificates,writing, games and missing front teeth......:)

Awesome to catch up Anna be safe,we all miss you heaps x

My surfer girl

2009-01-01T20:10:00.012+13:00

Worked the first part of the day/morning today but was home by 1400 and K had already suggested that we head out to the beach.

Mana wanted to take my/her surfboard out, this will be the second time we have been out to "try" (the first was on Boxing day) so packed up we headed out to Maori bay.

The water may have only been ankle deep at first but it wasn't long before her confidence built.....and then she caught a wave,first it was the knees.....then second wave she was straight up and standing!!!
What a buzz (for me ) and Mana loved it too she was shivering so much with the cold and excitement but still wanted to have "one more" turn :)

K got some good video of her but I cant seem to upload it.

New years eve

2008-12-31T19:42:00.010+13:00

Yum yum Keiko prepared us a traditional New Years Day meal

Toshikoshi soba 年越しそば and soup

Tatsukuri たつくり wee fish

Kinpira きんぴら　stir fry

After dinner we sat down to watch "Shek 2" and then the classic "Sound of Music" in may have come out in 1965 ("JUST"before my time) but it didn't take long before it all came back and I found myself (and Keiko humming) along with the songs.

Christmas time

2008-12-25T16:16:00.011+13:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house.

The only creature that was stirring.... was me getting up to go to work and do a early morning transfer to the airport :(

It wasn't that bad really as I was home by 0830 just in time to unwrap the pressies :)

Pop was down too (which made it all the better) and we had made plans to visit one of Mana's friends for Christmas breakfast and to watch "The Island's" Santa parade.

Lots of fun and laughter and we did finally make it back home to start preparing our own Christmas feast (actually K did all the work before hand)

Mana and I went to our garden and harvested some bits and pieces for our salad which would go together nicely with roast chicken,potatoes,Kumera and pumpkin........Ahhh grazing for the rest of the day.....Moooooooooooo.

This is what Christmas is all about family and whanau.

Mana's 6th Bday

2008-12-14T16:44:00.022+13:00

The day has finaly arrived......we have a 6 year old daughter.

Her Pohutukawa tree that Uncle Bullie brought up from "The Cape" has really taken off from what started out 6 years ago as a small seedling the size and length of a chopstick.

Mana is doing her best to keep up thought.

With Mum's awesome home made chocolate cake (of course) the scene was set for our little princess to blow out her candles and make a wish that all 6 year olds make.......bet ya it had something to do with dancing princesses and.......pink!!!.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mana chan.

"The Bar"

2008-11-15T23:52:00.016+13:00

Just come back from a 6 night away job (yeah long time to be away) but it wasn't all that bad and the group was really good......also a VERY rare opportunity cropped up??

Day4 and we were in the bustling metropolis of Katikati (population about 6) although the Kamai Views motel was really nice the truth was I wasn't looking forward to another night here let alone the WHOLE next day off (even if I was getting paid for it)
I did however go prepared with a assortment of surf DVDs,Playstation games,a book (actually a surf mag) and my sports gear.

The teachers hired a car on the first night and they shot around visiting the students at there various home stays around the Tauranga area but on the second day they weren't using it so offered it to me!!!

Front seat all the way back.....board squeezed in ......wetsuit and stuff thrown in the boot and I was off to the legendary Whangamata Bar!!!

So stoked as "The Bar" is one of those waves I'd seen photos and heard stories about.

Recently its been in the news with a decision to go ahead with the construction of a 120 berth marina only to have it overturned which can only be described as a political game of football .
One of the issues is what effects the marina would have on the bar (and most importantly the wave)

I don't know what will happen (if any) but I was just so stoked to get out there......good crew and good waves.....getting paid was just a added bonus :)

崇おじさん

2008-10-07T19:13:00.011+13:00

It is so good to see that Mana chan has a good relationship with her uncle.
Every night she would excitedly (and hopefully) ask if Uncle Takashi is coming over.

Since we have been in Japan Takashi has taken the time out to see his niece (almost every 2nd night)
Normally he would come over after he'd finish work and yet still manages to find the energy to play "Horse" this involves Mana getting on his back and the two of them running around the house,counting games ,drawing,hide n seek you name it.

But the part they both enjoyed the most was "Bed time story"

Thanks bro :)　まちがえて　本　当　に　ごめん　なさい　名前　　

Okaasan 's birthday dinner

2008-10-06T00:13:00.007+13:00

Taka dropped me off and "just" had enough time to catch up with Keiko and Mana chan before he had to go and I had to get ready for Mums Birthday dinner.

All scrubbed up we drove to a very nice French fusion restaurant at The Plaza hotel located near Kachigawa station.

It was a step up from the casual/Izakaiya we have been to since we arrived and it was quite a nice change.

The food was simply AMAZING and made all the better with good Japanese service and the attention to every little detail when it came to presenting the food.

The birthday cake came out followed by a "Happy Birthday to you" and presents were given.

Mum (actually all of us) had a big smiles as we left ,because of the company or maybe the six course meal it doesn't matter.

A great night out ..............Happy Birthday Okaasan.

Morning surf Home

2008-10-04T21:59:00.011+13:00

Got up this morning not expecting any change from yesterday (but we still went out JUST in case haha)

On the way to the beach one of the boys yelled out the window as we went through the intersection "Hara heta!!!" (I'm bloody hungry) so we pitted in at the local supermarket to graze on Takoyaki well the boys did I went for the pizza Japanese style rather than baby octopus

Still flat as and yet we still paddled out regardless of the conditions (or lack of them) and again frustration got the better of us and after an hour of paddling aimlessly we got out.

I was spose to get the train back but Taka said he would drive me back to Nagoya he had nothing else planned and he could catch up with Keiko and Mana chan .......Sweeeeeeet as I wasn't really looking forward to the train ride back.

On the way home we stopped in to see a bit of boat racing Japanese style

So after we paid the Toll fee 1650 yen (one way) and an hour and a bit drive I was home.

Thanks for a AWESOME weekend bro.

Takas tour

2008-10-04T21:58:00.025+13:00

Up with the sparrows this morning (or in this case ) the Karasu or Crows and I didn't really have a choice in the matter, but it wasn't too long before we were driving off to the beach.
Unfortunately all the "Mind surfing" and positive talk last night didn't help one bit and she was "Flat as a pancake" even so it didn’t seem to deter the sixty-gazillion other keen souls out for a wave too.
No waves but I was still stoked to be in the water and at the birth place of my surfing life.
We packed up after a couple of hours (mostly out of frustration) and cruised up the Atsumi Hanto coast road for a Taka Tour to do some Tour-risty things

Keeping one eye on the time as tonight's dinner was at one of Taka's favorite restaurants ......and kinda special cause I get to met the "girlfriend" for the first time (not that my approval means squat really to him)

What she see's in a ugly mug like Taka I don't know but they make a perfect match (kinda like "Beauty and the Beast" hahahaha sorry bro)

It was awesome to (finally) meet Maki chan with plenty of great food and more than a few laughs along the way.

Toyahashi here I come

2008-10-03T14:25:00.026+13:00

OK all set Money....Check, Mobile phone ....Check, Backpack....Check ,Omiagee....Check, 7.2 surfboard??....Oh yeah Check...... I was off.
Mum dropped me off at the local Kachigawa station about 1630 (She really had her doubts that I could find my way) .
First off I had to catch a JR (Japan Rail) train to Kanayama, 15 minutes (how hard can it be?)
Well I got more than I bargined for as it was packed and I couldn’t hear the conductor's announcements properly so what sounded like "When I was at high school I liked to eat banana....."
In actual fact was "blah,blah ...... MAMONAKU KANAYAMA DESU!" (soon we will be arriving in Kanayama)

But I squeezed and politely shoved my way out (sumimasen) so I could change to the Meitetsu line bound for Ina.
I chose to wait till 1848 to get the Semi Express which would not stop at every station (so I figured less crowed)
As I waited and watched "another" train go past I was approach by a young girl asking if I was ok? (in Japanese)
Of course I said "Dia joobu desu" (I'm fine)
I guess I looked lost and definitely out of place but she insisted I "needed" help and proceeded to explain at 100mph (in Japanese) the finer points of the train schedule.
Turned out Rihoko was going to see her boyfriend in Ko (1 station before me) so she was getting the same train and again "insisted" that I need help.

The Meitetsu line was packed so tight the platform conductor said twice "that he can’t close the door as we were spilling out.
I was getting the look from just about everyone (Stupid GIJIN....I wasn't winning any hearts with my surfboard taking up all the room)
Anyway an hour into the trip it finally started to empty out and Rihoko told me that I should get off at the next station....2mins later I arrived at Ina station.
Taka has not changed one bit still a free spirit with eyes wide open to the world.
We walked 2 minutes down the road to the local Yaki niku (barbque & beer)
10 minutes later and 2 and a half beers (what?? It was a hot night and we were dehydrated) it was like we had "caught up" last weekend and not the 3 years he's been back in Japan.
Missed my bro and was good to hang out.
After we got kicked out (we were still drinking and eating but they wanted to go home pfffttt whats up with that???)
So we wandered (stumbled) down the road to the local Izakaya (another pub) and continued eating drinking and generally talking shit.
Home time about 1200 to watch Surf DVD's (and talk some more shit) till about 0145.

3 out of 3

2008-10-02T20:45:00.014+13:00

Shes got it all.........looks,intelligence and rhythm.

Went to Saty this morning and while K had a nail appointment Mana and I went to buy some omiyage (present) for Takas family as I'm staying with them tomorrow.

I asked Mana if she would help translate for me.........I was sooooo impressed she translated perfectly......so we shot up to the game centre

Disneyland "the day after"

2008-10-01T13:39:00.024+13:00

Getting up this morning wasn't as bad as we expected and after breakfast K and Mana decided to go to the hotel Ofuro.

I wasn't that keen on staying indoors so as usual and armed with my camera I went for a bit of a Tiki Tour (as one does when one is in a new place)

The view had changed considerably since we crashed last night and I was keen to see what was around us while making sure not to get lost.
(Lucky for me the hotel was a stand out and I never lost sight of it)
A fairly big (and new) Mekai University was just across the road with all the associated parks and sport stadiums, a large supermarket department store and a constant procession of people going to (and from) work or just going about with there daily lives.

The rest of the morning was spent just lazing about until the free shuttle picked us up and took us back to the station at Disneyland.
We said our final farewells to the "Land of Smiles" then took the train back to Tokyo station.
Arriving with plenty of time up our sleeves we decided to look around......and spent some more money before our Shinkansen back to Nagoya

Blasting along at 170kph listening to some good ole Kiwi Drum and Bass is something that I highly recommend when in Japan

Tokyo Disneyland

2008-10-01T13:38:00.028+13:00

Great start .....We waltzed straight thu......no waiting,no line :)
I guess it had something to do with the weather ,cloudy with patches of drizzle and a "chilly" 19c seemed to keep most people away.

Straight thru the iconic castle to our first ride of the day (forgive me if I get the names wrong) the carousel ride then right next to it was The Spinning cups and of course Mana was in control (bad move but a lot of fun)

Then it was straight across to Its a Small World and to our surprise NZ was represented with a Kiwi and two native looking dolls!
Next was a refuel on the Disney tradition of the bucket of honey flavored Pop corn (Mmmmm) and we timed it perfectly for a Parade.
Our next ride was the Peter Pan ride (which was our longest line up time of 40mins.....yes unheard of in Tokyo Disneyland)
The weather closed in abit and I felt like shooting some Disney characters (never did like those Seven Dwafs) so it was off to Goofy's shooting saloon.
I was alittle disappointed that there were no dwarfs....only saloon bottles and the odd moving rodent) still 400 yen and 20 shots later (100% accuracy) Mana & I had 2 Sheriff stars.
While K and Mana went to the restrooms I found the Swiss Family Robinson's tree house which was so cool we just had to do it again (and no line)
While there we heard this really loud DJ type voice "Welcome aboard the Western Railway explore the American Frontier yada,yada...." sweet thats us.(waiting time 10 minutes)

While on the train I spied out the Jungle ride and we SOOOO lucked into a good guide he obviously LOVED his job and he had the entire boat in hysterical laughter (some of the jokes I didn't get but the facial expressions and the way of telling I couldn't help but laugh)

Off to the Dunbo ride (there are 2 buttons 1 up 1 down guess what one Mana kept pushing?

Then it was off to Toon Town to ride the Rodger Rabbit Car I tried to video Mana & Keiko but they were spinning so fast I couldn't keep up (K was heard to say "I’m gonna have sore muscles tomorrow)

Came out of there and straight onto the Funny up n down car which stopped just as the massive sound system kicked in indicating another Parade this time with Princes & Princess.

We were all feeling hungry so off to the Queen of Hearts for lunch.
Our "Fast Track" passport time for Thunder Mountain was approaching and instead of the 70minute wait it was 8 minutes!! (even did the touristy thing and brought the photo too)

Then it was on to the Spinning cup and Small World (both for the 2nd time)
The only thing disappointing about Tomorrow land was that the Cars went sooooo slow (but Mana and I had a great time)
Then on to that Buzz space dude I LOVED IT once again a chance to shoot aliens,cartoon characters, small rodent I don't care.
Mana and I were "blasting" away with Mum at the helm.
We came out of that and "stumbled" straight into the Star Journey (and just walked right in) its a VR type ride thru space super cool.

Keiko wanted to get a Scissor Cutting picture? (Yeah I was abit like that too)
We found it and sat in turn (the results were amazing)

Yet another Parade and Mana finally got to post her letter to Cinderella.
Our final attraction was the Haunted Mansion, Mana was alittle scared and there were I a couple of times I had to reassured that it wasn't real.
The final event was the closing fireworks display then we boarded our shuttle bus for the 25 minute ride to our hotel Emiron.

ABSOLUTLEY STUFFED!

WARNING:
This is what 12 hours of Disneyland will do to your child.

Ummm "I am where on this map?"

2008-10-01T13:36:00.020+13:00

0540JPT All sorts of scenarios were going thru or heads as Mum drove us to Kachigawa station in the rain this morning.
As K and I went over our battle plan we arrived in Nagoya and found our Hikari Shinkasen Super Express and some 2 hours later and 350 kms cruising at a constant 170Kph we arrived in Tokyo.

Lucky K and I both (well more K) anticipated "what if" and had prepared as best we could beforehand for the madhouse known as "Tokyo Station"
With people.....With masses of people running about like "headless chickens" trying as hard as they can to somehow pretend that they are not surrounded by sea of a gazillion other bodies.

This can be achieved in a number of ways either "wiring" up with headphones or my personal favorite, phone open and busy txt/emailing in the hope of creating the "Look I’m far too busy for anything else"...Leave me alone!!

Mana and I were talking about it and I said "There are a lot of people running around isn’t there, its because they are late" which prompted Mana "They should get up earlier aye?"......can’t argue with that logic.

Anyway with K's wired (almost scary) understanding of the whole "organised chaos" and although it was abit of a mad dash we made it to the appropriate connecting train (with time to spare,well done K)

Mr Donut

2008-09-29T17:36:00.015+13:00

Just a normal day here in Japan the 3 of us went to SATY for a bite to eat at MR DONUT (its our favourite) and while K did abit of shopping and "stuff" Mana and I went up to the top floor to the game centre for a bit of stress relief.

Me shooting and Mana "bashing" small creatures on the head....Id say it was pretty much perfect.

Camping 2

2008-09-29T00:18:00.014+13:00

I woke at 0700 this morning to a crisp and decided to take advantage of the still morning light and go for abit of a Tiki tour.
The local wildlife was about (apparently they were there all the time we just were not looking) with signs of deer and wild pigs all around the camping area.
Most of the others were still in that morning slumber when I got back to the cabin but Mana was up and about so as not to disturb the rest we went out for another walk.
It was really nice to explore around with Mana chan and I had on of those "realisation moments" so I asked her when she gets older will she still hang out with Daddy? She said "Yes" :)

After breakfast we all sorta did our own things and while we were walking down the hill to the main camp site.

I froze......Oi,shhhh there is something in the trees.

It was Keiko's first time to see wild monkeys and we all sat memorized just watching them go about there business......or were they watching us?

We hung out for the rest of the morning just "hangin out" taking it all in and after lunch we headed back home.

But before we got home we called in to our friends Ohaka.

Katsu passed away suddenly after a very short and brutal illness in 2004 and was always a "starter" for the "Legendary Camping trip" he is greatly missed by all.

So we stopped in to say "HI" and include him in our camping trips adventures.

Camping in Nagano

2008-09-29T00:17:00.063+13:00

The Miyatachi family picked us up and we drove towards Nagano stopping off at the Apita (the local shopping centre for a bite to eat and to stock up on the essentials items ie Beer and meat.

Then drove for another 30 minutes winding our way thru and up higher past rice fields (and the scary head) and apple orchards to a place called Inadani to reach our destination in the mountains To get to INADANI CAMPING GROUND. (www.odp.jp)

First thing I did when I got out was breath in the fresh clean mountain air......Ahhhhhh!!

First thing everyone else did was breath in the fresh....."Samui desho!"

That night and following morning I was constantly being asked (as they hugged themselves) "Aren't you cold??"

For me yes it was abit on the cool-ish side but the fresh cool mountain air and wide open space was just soooo good.

While the kids climbed up the hill and played in the tree house we chatted with the owner and sorted out keys and stuff for our LOG CABIN.

We unloaded the van and turned our attention to more pressing things and set about getting some fire on and (more importantly some beers because you cant have fire without a beer can you?)

Our initial plan was a solid one until we discovered a beach ball sized wasp nest across the road in the trees and squadron's of the buggers kept coming over to check us out (I discovered later it was the beer they were attracted to) so we all took refuge inside.

They may be big and menacing but there size is there undoing....just means a bigger and easier target when I start swinging.
Size has its advantage but if you piss a Maori off enough "its gonna end up in tears" for one of you (this is I think number 3 who paid ultimate price for getting in between a Maori and his food.....or beer)
I did a Wikipedia search when I got home and I must say "NOW I'M SCARED"
In Japan they are called 雀蜂 or 胡蜂, oo-suzumebachi meaning "sparrow bee" .
1.Average size 50mm.
2.Stinger 6 bloody millimeters.....Ouch!
3.The venom contains a neurotoxin which can be lethal to people.
4.Between 20-40 people die each year in Japan after being stung.
5.The sting of a Japanese Hornet is extremely painful and potentially fatal, and contains chemical pheromones that attract and encourage other hornets to attack the same victim.
6.Japanese Hornets are attracted to beverages containing alcohol and glucose
7.Top speed 40kph

So to recap......They are big,fast have got a hell of a punch AND when in a fight they will call on there mates to join in to "sink" the boot in while your down.....Nice!!

Anyway dinner came about and it was a real whanau affair good food lots of smiles, chatter and a huge dose of laughter.

Things even got a wee bit silly as the night wore on (must of been the beer the wasps didnt get)and we took turns about doing the traditional camping "Ghost" thing through the window (some were better than others)

With the nights activities over and done we all retired for the night.

Shiki no Mori Park

2008-09-26T12:47:00.019+12:00

K and I got home from our night out about 1100 this morning and Mum suggested that we go to Shiki no Mori Park (Four season park)

We stopped off at a little bakery along the way that just oozed oshii-ness (don't know how that's possible but)

OMG......the smell, quality and selection was mind blowing and there were tongs flying and trays being filled left right and centre.

So fuelled up we drove the remaining 20 minutes to the park.

Mana and I donned the "required safety" equipment and proceeded to race each other (including getting told off for using our hand)

The park was great really well thought out in a great setting and most of the staff were volunteer's so they were all local and all had a sense of pride in the park.

Mana made a new friend there and the two of them scurried off with there snacks to eat in one of the little play houses.

Ojiichan commented that it was quiet......"Do you know why?.........Mana is eating......"

A great afternoon out a great idea Mum.

Love hotel 101

2008-09-25T23:09:00.018+12:00

Continuing on with our anniversary night and with no intention of going home we hunted out some accommodation for the night (I say hunted out like it was a big deal......it wasn't,we walked out of the izakya and there across the road were 4 hotels lite up in "tacky" neon lights with cool names like "0c" and "The Wave" and "Rivera" these are the famous LOVE HOTELS.

For those of you who don’t know a Love Hotel is a place where you go to have sex and to get away from it all......

Its all automated so there is that "no one knows dangerous liaison" thing going on.

You choose from the selection of photos of the rooms on the wall in the main reception.

All with various options and themes,round beds,big beds plasma TV, spa, Karaoke, flashing lights etc, etc.

Push the button below the room you want and the key drops down and the lifts door behind you opens (still no human contact)

Now if you were to ask your Japanese friends about Love Hotels they will "probably" deny knowing of there existence let alone going to one.

All those pre conceptions you may have about some "seedy" red light dirty place need to be put aside cause the room we picked out was clean,tidy and would rival most 4/5 star hotels. Our room came to the bargin price of about 9000 yen Approx $100 bucks)

Day 4 Don guri park

2008-09-25T21:53:00.033+12:00

Mana and I went to the Don Guri park this morning she calls it that because there alot of Don guri (acorns) there and its been her favourite since she was little.

The day was beautiful still hot but a really nice breeze blowing so I just kicked back under a tree while Mana did her "thing".

Mana wanted to take photos with my camera so she ran around taking photos of pretty much everything....even a very scary close up of my head!!!

Initially the park was very peaceful with only 3 other Mums and Dads but that came to a end with the arrival of the local primary school on a field trip.

Like a sea of ants we could see them (and hear them) coming all with there bright yellow hats and "bug catching nets"

A short blast of the Sensais whistle and they all dropped to the ground to await further instruction.

With details of where to go,what not too do another blast of the whistle and 10000 screaming children (well it seemed like that) ran in all directions banging on trees and shaking bushes.

You could almost see the mass exodus of the local population of bugs and creepy critters.

We crossed the stream and found another park and she set about conquering that as well.

Our anniversary in Japan

2008-09-25T21:53:00.021+12:00

At first there were a few tears (from Mana) she didn't want us to go but after some serious negation and a lot of deals we were "allowed" to go.

Our first stop was Nagoya central station to a store called Tokyu Hands (kinda like a everything shop) inside the Takashimaya Department store .

By the time we had finished we both had a serious case of the "munchies" along with a healthy "dent" in our holiday funds.

We took the short train ride to Chikusa to a Izakaiya we had both been to before with Keiko's Band friends.

The food was awesome we started off with drinks (of course) a yummy Egg roll with fish row inside next to come out was the Sashimi and tofu followed by some deep fried fish and Karage chicken (again deep fried) and being such a special night Keiko ordered some scallops this was followed up with some Udon and Onegiri (rice balls that are chucked on a hot plate) and finally Keiko told me that when she used to come here her and her friend Katsu kun didn't drink so to make up for it they would order the Creme Burlee. (yummy)

Day 4 Dishes with Obaachan

2008-09-23T23:00:00.009+12:00

Dad and thought wed get stuck in and cut/trim the two out of control trees in front of the house before the day got too hot (its been hoovering around the 25-30c)
So while Mum, Keiko and Mana went shopping.
the "MEN" got to work,was expecting it to last abit longer but Dad and I teamed up well and had the job completed in about 2 hour (including the clean up)
So what does one do after some hard work (we can debate the length later) a beer......at 1000am (yeah whatever "Its not what were drinking its HOW were drinking....")
The girls came home and Mana decided to make me lunch a hot dog with cabbage,cheese tomato sauce .
After that she jumped up on the chair and helped out with the dishes (the white stuff on Obaachan's head is foam that Mana decided to flick about)

Day 3

2008-09-23T22:22:00.012+12:00

What a cool night for a barbque (Japaneses style) the weather was awesome today after our "work" (Burp!!) this morning.
It shot up to about 30c but there was a real nice breeze blowing and although hot it wasn't the usual "mushiatsui" Nagoya weather that Ive come to expect.

So the whanau decided to have a Barbque (which is a first for me normally everything is inside due to the time of the year I usually visit)
So I was really looking forward to it.

I'm happy to report that there were no "fire" issues and there is no real difference from a "Kiwi" barbque,the women are "slaving" away doing the prep work for the food and the boys are outside talking shit and drinking beer!!!!

Once the girls bring the food out "we" (the men) continue to talk crap saying the fires not big enough and proceed to burn the food! (nar it wasn't that bad but we did have a laugh or two)

After our initial attempts to fire up the charcoal.
We resorted to reading the instruction "printed on the package to discover that we had to separate the coals "before" lighting...!!

Oppps once we did they she was away and it was a huge rush to cook the food(we were getting abit hungry by then)

After I don't know how many beers and at least half a cow we laid back for a yummy refreshing desert Gyunukanten (Keiko's favourite Milk jelly made from seaweed) that mum had made and what better way to finish off than with that time tested and proved game of skill JENGA.

Day 2

2008-09-22T15:45:00.014+12:00

Mana and I decided to go for a morning walk as it was such a beautiful morning and we didn't have to go very far to see the sights and sounds of the neighbourhood.

Its a mix of houses,gardens with the odd empty section that is used to grow crops (in this case rice)

Really nice time of the day (and season) its not too hot (despite K's way of thinking)

Mum gave us the car and we shot off to the local to do a bit of buying.

I had already checked out my favourite Yamada Denki and Eiden (both electronic stores that have to be seen to be believed)

Keiko and Mana went to the adjacent Livin to do.........well the girls version of what boys do when shopping.

We met up together and brought some lunch to take home but it wasn't until it came to purchasing some good ole cereal for my breakfast that the "Your not in Kansas anymore Toto"

I couldn't believe the price two items 998 and 498 a total of 1494 yen (that's about 21$NZD @ today's rate
Oh well as they say "When in Rome......"

I wonder what the next few weeks will bring......or how much were going to spend???

Japan Day one

2008-09-21T17:49:00.022+12:00

Today was our first day in the Land of the Rising Sun" and Mana got up about 0600 considering she went to sleep/bed at 2300 NZT shes doing pretty well.

The day wasnt the best it was rainning but the temp was sitting at about 25c so we were happy with that.

Of course here grandparents are spoilling her rotten wanting to see what new "Tricks" there grandchild could do and of course they didnt stop talking .

lunchtime rolled around and we decided to go to the local 100 yen sushi train (actually 105 yen)

Which pleased K and I as we were soooooo looking forward to it since even before we arrived (yum fresh sashmi and sushi)

The entire family gave it a VERY healthy NUDGE and Mum was in danger of being hidden behind (one) of the stack of plates.

Back home and Mum gave me a wee job (one of the many I was expecting as the "Son in-law")

She asked if I knew anything about TV's and if I could look at the one in the spare room?...... to which I answered as any Kiwi bloke would "Oh sure, sure whats the problem?" (while all the time hoping like hell someones just forgotten to plug it in)

Apparently during a thunder storm a couple of months ago she just gave up the ghost and has not worked since.

OK so I'm thinking its just a fuse .....so off to the main fuse box hmmmm Nar she all fine here.

Armed with a screwdriver I took the back came off and I was soon peering down the guts of a pre flat screen TV.

I tracked down a blown fuse and replaced it with a "Spring" from a ball point pen.....and away she goes...... gotta get some brownie point for that.

Dinner tonight was at a Unagi place (and despite what Ross off "Friends" think Unagi does not mean being aware of your surroundings....location joke)

It was OUTSTANDING roll on the next few weeks I say.

When Planets align

2008-09-17T22:50:00.013+12:00

Te Arai Wednesday 17 September 2008
Light offshore west / southwest winds with a straight east swell of a good 3 to 4 ft with a lully 5 ft solid set thru exposed coasts.

So pumping waves this AM thru all spots with winds shifting west / northwest this arvo.

Stoke Meter 8. / 10

Arrived to see just a handful of brave souls taking on the very SOLID 3ft (with some scary 5ft sets) and to see one of the boys get a cover up (although briefly) only to emerge with his surfboard in 2 pieces and with my hand on my heart (more of in my mouth) I ventured in and proceeded to get bashed,smashed,twisted,dumped and just generally BEATEN the hell up........having said that I had the time of my life.
Made one right hand wave ,dropped down to do a bottom turn and looked right towards the wave only to see a SOLID wall of water......and me
thinks that if I'm 6ft and I'm standing at the bottom of a wave it was indeed over 6 ft!!!

I'm happy to say that I did make it,but I guess you just going to have to believe me.

My photo isn't the greatest but if you look at it you may be mistaken for thinking that's its a empty line up........well it is kinda,except for the guy hiding in the tube (look closely I assure you he is there)

The thing is that although there was a bit of a anti cyclone off the East coast and we were expecting some swell it didn't really look like something to get excited about but it just goes to show you that "Mother Nature" is well and truly in charge.

STOKED!!

Lets put on those thinking caps.

2008-09-05T19:54:00.009+12:00

Mana has recently shown a big interest in........well everything.
The whole Olympic thing stared it off with competitors name,country and flag shown before and during events and the other day it was birds and volcanoes.

Today its all about science.
We both shot up to the library to get one of those "Do it at home" type experiment books.

The "Kids" science section was easy to find and well laid out.
We pulled out a few but it was the funny boy at made the cut (who said "you cant judge a book by its cover?"

At home we hunted out the very basic items required,Plastic bottle,Vinegar,Baking soda Tissues and a balloon and then set about putting our evil plan in place.........

It was one of those experiments that you get a result straight away (none of this boring waiting around) so I guess from a kids point of view,it was pretty cool.

The look on her face when the CO2 bubbles formed (apparently there were 328) was cool but nothing as the balloon took on a life of its own and started to inflate......cue lightning strike and a crazed scientist "Its alive.....alive!!!"

We even wrote a report with lots of colours of what happened and why (including a bit about the 328 bubbles) to share at "News Time" at school.

Who said it doesn't snow in Auckland

2008-08-16T18:17:00.013+12:00

Well its not snow and as we all know it doesn't snow here in Auckland but ice from the freezer did the trick.

Mana's played in snow before (in Japan) and it has definitely been cold enough.
Almost the entire South Island got a good "dump" causing the snow bunnies to froth at the very thought,even the central plateau roads here in the North island have been closed.

Anyway it was that time when I get down on on my knees (can almost hear the

groan) and hack out the excess ice build up from our good ole fridge/freezer (yes I have heard of "frost free")

After we had finished throwing it around (and at each other) Mana collected the remaining pieces and put them in a bucket.....to save it for later??

Was the 08/08/2008 good to you?

2008-08-08T22:08:00.020+12:00

So how was your day??

Ours started off with a nice long sleep in.......

Mana has been really trying hard to build up her "Smiley Faces" (for being good) and she's has reached the grand total of 15 which now means she can go to the movies.......so which one did she choose?

None other than The chronicles of Narnia-Prince-Caspian"

Although we were warned that it was abit "darker" than the first (alot more fight scenes but somehow I just dont consider a sword wielding mouse as the darker side of things )

We all really enjoyed it on the drive back home we were asking Mana what was the funniest/scariest and I almost drove off the road with laughter as she reenacted a part form the movie.

What better way to finish off than to call into Burger Fuel for a Bacon Backfire a Mini Chook burger and for Mum a Slick Chick some spuds fries and all while the Kiwi tunes of Tiki Tanne "Always on your mind" played in the background........Mmmmmmmm

So yeah we all had a pretty good "888"

The Jazz dancer

2008-08-02T20:05:00.023+12:00

Mana has been going to dance class for the last couple of months and today there was a Medal test out South Auckland way.....so on a VERY wet and miserable day we set off we to Papakura.

All the students were dressed up with hair and make up when Aunty Roslind (her teacher) got them all together, and after what seemed like forever the giggling girls (and boys) settled down for a rousing motivational speech.

The hall was not what I expected (was thinking cold,dark dingy hall) but I was pleasantly surprised a small theatre with lights a huge stage complete with a awesome sound system and very comfy seats.

The professional adjudicators were situated in the middle busily writing out the report sheet after each dancer, which was then followed by a small "bell hop" type bell......a pause then the next dancers name came booming over the PA system. (exciting stuff)
Mana was the second one to dance out of her age group and by this time Keiko was abit of a nervous wreck (it was so funny)

Her report read "Mana started off with "Very strong marches....." "Great timing". "Hope you had fun dancing on stage today...." AND "excellent performance Mana"

Althought I think she was more excited about the lollipop than her report!

But all that was forgotten as we cruised into town for our "second" favorite restaurant "Tanpopo" in the city and we all settled down to a pipping hot bowl of Ramen.

Karuta

2008-06-06T22:03:00.017+12:00

Its recently become the done thing after dinner (and before Mana has a shower) to play a Japanese card game called "Karuta" (not to sure on the translation)

Mum reads out the clues and then you have to shout "Hai" as you place your hand on the card (usually its more of a slam)

The rules are simple if you guess the wrong card then its followed by a teasing "OTETSUKI" (translation "bro you are soooo wrong") and it means a forfeiture of one card from your pile of cards to the other player.

Mana's got abit of a advantage over me,well first she's a girl (and of course we all know that girls are smarter than there Dad's) and she goes to Japanese lessons every Saturday.

But hey I give it my best shot and its something that we all enjoy so much,and as long as Mana "wins"..........lets just say she likes to win and losing gracefully is something that has yet to be mastered. (so yeah a nice way of saying that she is a bad loser)

But anyway cool thing to do together as a family.

The Birthday pressie

2008-06-02T08:19:00.009+12:00

To quote my daughter "This is soooo much funnnnn Daddddy!!!"

I was down The Mount a couple of weeks ago when 3 guys came "whizzing" down the road on these electric skateboards.

Of course I had to have a closer look and one of them said "Pretty cool aye,you wanna go?"

He set the remote for "Learner" and away I went....well you couldn't get the stupid grin off my face it was so much fun.

Fast forward to a couple of nights ago and I was looking thru the Trade Me site and I came across these things for sale.

My loving (and extremely beautiful and understanding) wife said "Its your birthday coming up do you want it?........but your not having a new surfboard for a whole year"

I umm-ed and ahh-ed and she clicked on the buy/bid button.

Next thing you know I'm unpacking my birthday present.

Another bonus is that it can fit the two of us on it at the same time so we can "whip" down to the shops or up to the park.

Do you believe?

2008-06-01T21:32:00.008+12:00

We just finished watching The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (which we all thoroughly enjoyed) and the first thing Mana did after watching it was go to her room.......and check her cupboard!!

The "Greenie" in me

2008-05-27T22:31:00.006+12:00

With the raising price of petrol and food we like everyone are starting to feel the "pinch".
With limited success of growing food over the last few years (on a small-ish scale) we have decided to go BIGGER and go for"Global Domination".

Once the head scratch phase was over as to the placement in our mere 577sq section Mana and I turned the first few shovel fulls of our soon to be "Mass producing" veggie garden along with some H4 retaining timber it all started to take shape.

(The beer and sunset finished the day off quite nicely)

Kiwifruit Crumble

2008-05-27T19:19:00.016+12:00

Finally today I get a day off.

Packed Mana off to school and then K and I shot out to the beach (Me of course for a surf and K for a relaxing read and a snooze in the car)

Surf was great and with no crowds (seems once the water temp drops below 17.5c it becomes a natural crowd thinner)

Picked up Mana from school and K made dinner which just happens to be my favourite "Tonkatsu" (deep fried crumbed pork and fresh veggies)

I asked K since I "acquired" some Zespri Gold Kiwifruit maybe I should "whip" up a Kiwifruit crumble.

Despite the sideways looks I got from K and I could see the (and tell) what she was thinking "So you want to mess up "MY" kitchen and then expect ME to clean up afterwards don't you?

Ummm answer being "Yes"

Both were pretty impressed with my effort in the kitchen and with a bit (OK so a lot) of freshly whipped cream it was a true "YUMMY" dinner.

As I said the whole cooking thing went really well.....the aftermath was a totally different story (so we wont mention that shhhhhh)

Things to smile at....

2008-05-08T19:34:00.011+12:00

The last 2 months have been pretty hectic, its been long days with 4 nights away every week. Now I'm finally getting a chance to "catch up" with the whanau.

We woke up this morning with a extra (hadaka) "lump" snoozing next to us I have to say it has gotta be right up there with "those little things in life" that make you smile (along with her singing "Good morning Mummy,Good morning Daddy")
Mana said softly "I love you Daddy and I missed you while you away......" I was geez I got something in my eye sort of thing.

But as she hurls herself (think of WWF without the lycra) at you for the power cuddle soon "turns that frown upside down"

All this confirms what I already know....I love my whanau and I love life!

Piha

2008-04-18T20:38:00.012+12:00

Got a call from Pop last night saying he was coming down (a very welcome surprise as its been awhile since he's seen and spent time with his mokopuna)

It was such a nice day the three of us packed up and headed out to Piha.

Piha was well Piha,its typical "West Coast" with a good solid SW swell pushing thru.
Which was ideal if you like waves as the Corona Series surf competition was on.

Mana really wanted to try "surfing" (who was I to argue I’m all for it) and we set up our sun shade cover on the bank of a small stream just North of Lion Rock.

Mana loved it ands althought the water was a bit on the chilly side she paddled like a demon from one side to the other and after 5 laps across the stream she celebrated with a leap of joy.

The sun came out which was nice and the usual black sand was not quite its vindictive self (think of standing on a Barbecue......and then turning on the gas) so we didnt feel the need to break into the West coast beach hot foot dance"

All dried off we took a stroll down towards the big Corona bottle (I still dont get why you call it a "Gay" drink Nini?) at the southern end of Piha.

Hanging out

2008-03-28T21:55:00.007+13:00

Mana and I took the air mattress (from camping) and lay it down under the trees where the 3 of us lay on it complete with pillows,blankets,books and snacks and proceeded to "hang out"
Mana tried her hand at pretend fishing and after a feed of Snapper,Kina (Sea egg) and Kutai (mussel) she disappeared and with a light wisp of wind and the sunlight dancing through the leaves it was hard for K and I not to drift off.

Only about 10 minutes passed and the parental instinct took over and brought us both out of our slumber.......its too quiet......Where is Mana?

We could here noises which didn't register as normal "Mana noises" (watching TV,drawing,reading,doll playing etc)

K said "Go and check on YOUR daughter" I said "Nar you go".........no sooner had those words left my mouth that we both leaped to our feet as the sound blender firing up broke the silent that we had previously been lapping up.

Thoughts of whatever Mana had in the blender were now dripping off the ceiling and walls we dashed inside to find the kitchen spotless (Phew) Mana standing on a chair smiling with and assortment of fruit in the blender (apple,banana,blueberries and peach) and 3 cups."I'm making Mummy and Daddy a mixed juice"

Amazingly she had cut all the fruit removed the seed AND cleaned up.

We each took our freshly made mixed juice and returned to our cozy bed under the trees and once again "Hung out"

So I was eating the other day

2008-03-13T20:02:00.009+13:00

Ahh "Zespri" tour season driving around this beautiful country of Aotearoa pausing only to see some of the amazing sights it has to offer,then stopping again to.......eat!!!

I should really say "GRAZE" because that's what we seem to do "Wow look at the time its 1130,we haven't eaten for at least 3 hours...better sit down and have a "snack"

One has to ensure ones energy and blood sugars are maintained its just a real bonus that ALL the food on tour was soooooo good and dont get me started on the deserts.

This is just a selection from Solitaire Lodge to Matahui,the growers dinner to Ultimate Escape Ka mau te wehi kai......

What do you get if you add this and a bit of that?

2008-03-02T20:51:00.015+13:00

1.Take one Edmond's "Sure to raise" cook book.

2.Go to page 12 read how to make Cheese scones.

3.Add a yummy mince dish that K made.

4. Add some corn from the garden.....and what do you get?

A very happy daughter of course.

Princess and Flowers

2008-02-17T22:58:00.010+13:00

It was raining this morning quite hard when we got up and our options were alittle limited (unless we wanted to go to a shopping mall AGAIN) so after flicking thru the "What to do" guide book we decided on the Carrara Markets a local (and under cover) farmers type market.

Think of Victoria Park Market here in Auckland ,but just WAY better.

Plant Nurseries, Lots of fresh fruit & veggies, Clothing, Shoes, Arts & Crafts, Watches, Jewellery, Tools,and HEAPS of food shops.

We were doing a grand ole job of getting lost (even with the assistance of a map until we followed the haunting sounds of a Didgeridoo and stumbled upon a Fairy who just happens to do face painting.

After the rain finally stopped the sun came out and so did a few of the colourful local flowers.
Mana was all excited at the yellows,pinks,reds and blues.

Mana the Mermaid

2008-01-31T12:07:00.003+13:00

With the beach being so close it would be criminal not to spend as much time as possible there.

Dont know who enjoyed it the most.

Dad was more than happy standing waist deep in the breakers and as for Mana.... dig a hole,bury her and then shape a mermaid tail.

She was pretty happy

Lamington National Park Hinterland

2008-01-31T12:03:00.006+13:00

Once again we all packed into our trusty rental and with way points plotted in my GPS we headed off into the "Outback" (had to give it a Aussie theme)

I wanted to get some sort of elevated view of the Gold Coast but after driving around for what seemed like forever we (well "I") flagged that idea and set course for a place called OReilys in the Lamington National park.
After a good hours drive winding around narrow hillside roads and thru even narrower bush clad tracks we arrived at Oreilys.
First priority .......food......ahhhhhh.
So what can we do around here??
Lets buy some bird food and feed them turns out they were as hungry as we were and no sooner had we ventured outside that the flock stampeded (I know stamped is not the right word to use but you try and think of a colourful verb apart for SH#T!! as snippets of Alfred Hitchcock's movie "The birds" flash thru your mind)

Gotta admit though it was so funny to watch as crimson Rosella's and King Parrots "Mugged" anyone or anything to get a feed.

The "Tree Top" walk was the next thing to do,this involved walking on a somewhat doggy looking (and bouncy) walkway swing bridge about 16m above the ground.
For those adventurous types there was the opportunity to climb up a tree a further 16m so when you reach the top your about 35m above the ground.
Mana of course charged at it,K,Mum and Dad would have nothing to do with it (just quietly 35m is a hell of a long way down when viewed from the top)

On our way back we found a old timber mill tunnel hidden away in the valley and with large gum trees and thick undergrowth on either side of the path it was nice to take a bit of time out form the relentless heat of the sun (guess it was a prime area for snakes,bugs and other creepy critters .......fortunate for us none were to be seen but we did catch a glimpse of some bats that evening.

Chilln out Gold Coast style

2008-01-24T20:30:00.008+13:00

Today was a bit of a fill in day,the sun was out so we decided to head down the road to Rainbow Bay (home of the famous Snapper Rock amongst other things)
Was really nice just to walk about and soak in the beach atmosphere.

We had been to Point Danger before and we headed up to the cafe there.

To our disappointment we found that it had gone thru a few changes,the rules on serving food had been transformed into something I like to call "BB" or bureaucratic bullshit but basically they were no longer allowed to serve sit down food (although they still had plenty of comfy chairs,magazines and tables PLUS metal utensils were now a no no??? Yeah go figure.
Anyhoo we ordered our "Takeaway" food which we had every intention of eating upstairs in there "Chill Out lounge" (which we had to ourselves)

So armed with our set of plastic knife and fork we proceeded to "Chill Out".....Mana choose to do it in a VERY large woman's shoe.

Walking down from Point Danger which is the boundary line, on look left and you'll see the state of Queensland,right hand side and its the state of NSW.....
Mana saw a model doing some wedding gown photos and she just couldn't wait to get closer when we got there she got all shy and embarrassed about asking for a photo.

Both of us then took some us time to check out the waves conditions.

A light meal

2008-01-24T20:26:00.003+13:00

Define I light meal?.....one would normally describe it as some type of light food no heavy red meats,vegetables delicatly cooked maybe dropped into a boiling hot pot of water for less than a minute of stir-fryed and a smaller than usual quantity of food.....right?.

Having spent the last couple of days getting used to the temp and getting over abit of jet lag we all felt like a "LIGHT" meal was on the cards.

As we flicked thru the "Where to Dine" book in our apartment Donto Sapporo Japanese restaurant jumped out with its colourful photos and its fresh healthly looking food,ahhh sounds just the ticket for our travel wary bodies and souls.

However ordering Miso,Beef Tataki,Salmon & Ekuri donburi,Soba and Eel Don does not fall into the "light meal category" and we did get a case of the "Big Eyes" as the dishes of food were placed in front of us.

Never one to turn down a challange (especially when it comes to eating) all 3 of us did the side well and came up with the result.

Mana said as we lent back on our seats and "popped" another button on our pants "I didn't know that I could have such nice Japanese food in Australia"

We couldn't argue with her as it was so bloody good.

Surfing wise.....Im stoked!!

2008-01-24T20:24:00.012+13:00

Ahhhhhh Im so stoked what a holiday.
We are here in visiting Australia's surfing capital....The Gold Coast (next port of call BALI.....I hope)
Centrally located with a short drive/walk to Surfers Paradise,Restaurants and Shopping malls we were perfectly placed.
For me being a stone throw away from the right hand point break of Burleigh Heads was a bit of a bonus too (hehe)

K and I had a understanding......"YOU get up early go for a surf.....get it out of your system,then spend the rest of the day with us"...........Simple but very effective.

Every morning I rose at 0500 and with a power packed breakfast of cereal fresh Mango and toast I was fuelled up and by the waters edge by 0545.
After months of squeezing into a rubber suit here in NZ (Im talking about a wetsuit Maya) the feeling of just wearing Boardshort (or boardy's) a rashie,sunblock,was....was intresting.

With warm water wax on my board (usually infused with a coconut-y smell to give it that beach tropical feel) that sends you into this kinda "Summer trance"......ahhhhh there is nothing like it.

Abit nervous on the first day as I had no idea what was what,like Where are the rips or currents? What are the best tides,swell or wind?
What are the locals like??
But with a consistant 1.5- 2.5 ft SE swell for the whole 2 weeks we were there I was pretty happy.(actually more that happy)

Accomadation for 2 weeks $2000

Flights to the Gold Coast for 3 $2000

Block of warm water wax $5

Surfing Burleigh Heads point break.......Bloody priceless!!

White Water World

2008-01-24T20:23:00.008+13:00

So here we go again.
Mum and Dad have already gone back and its just up to us 3 to to the business and complete the Dream World experience with White Water World.

Feeling a hell of alot more confident than last the other day the 3 of us headed straight for the "Green Room" only to be turnned away at the top as Mana was 3cm below the min height.
Oh well was still the Wiggles pool the Wave pool and the Nickelodeon Pipeline Plunge which we hung out at for most of the day.
K and I took turns about running around from pool to pool.

Up the slide ,down the slide,drink,icecream then Up the slide,down the slide.

What a great day and to finish off with a walk that evening to Burleigh Heads shops for a mean feed of "The fish-a-mans basket" Kau mau te wehi!

Dream world

2008-01-24T20:22:00.003+13:00

When in Aussie one "has" to do a theme park.
Would you go to Paris and not go to the Elifel Tower ??......Same thing.

So the 5 of us we packed into our trusty rental and we were off.......Dreamworld or Bust!.

By the time we arrived (1000) the car park was already 70% full and I was surprised to see that vehicles (and bodies) were still streaming in.

After shelling out $270 for 3 adults and Mana (thank goodness for the 1 pre purchased adult ticket via the internet and Flybuys)
What a explosion of sights & sound kinda hard to describe really the atmosphere was alive and there was this mixture of cheerful laughter and excitement with the odd spine chilling scream of terror (coming from "The Claw" as it hissed and swooped above us)

Amped up to our eye balls after Nick Jr fun world (you run around grabbing "neff balls", load them into air compressed guns and shot them at each other) we went to Dora the Explorer "around the world swing ...thing (basically swings on long chain that go round and round) which I initially thought would be easy as.

How wrong was I .......the nausea was excurating (Bungy,tactical contor flying jumping out of planes,up down sideways up side down no problem) But this simple swing on a chain going around and around made me weak at the knees ("Get hard" I hear you say and it was only after what seemed like 40 gallons of water and a packet of Extra chewing gum that I returned to my normal self.......and colour)

So it was Keiko and her parents to the rescue (still think K didnt enjoy the "Crazy Beaver" ride as much as she said though.

Pooped we headed back home and with conversations about the Bumper Cars,Tiger Island,Blues Clues,the Crazy Beaver and Wiggles "The Big Red Car it sounded as though (most of us) had a great day.

Camping city style

2008-01-08T15:51:00.000+13:00

Ive been promising Mana that we will go "Camping" in the back yard once she turns 5 and the weather fines up.
She has been on my case ever since her birthday.......so tonight was the night.

She was so excited and eager to help me set everything up putting in the pegs,tightening the ropes and of course laying out the bedding (which included her Birthday present of a sleeping bag .....Pink of course and a air bed)

2230 after reading the story "Felicity Wishes" she was out like a light.

New Years Day

2008-01-01T22:05:00.001+13:00

Was fortunate to enough to "time" my RDO with New Years day so we headed out to Arron & Mami's (and 2 boys Jake and Sean) beach house.
Mami prepared a "srummie" lunch which she served on the deck with a amazing view of Piha stretched out in front of us.

After the usual "try and get the kids to sit down and eat" me Arron and the kids,wandered down to the local camping ground where they had a sports day,basically it was running races with prizes donated by the local community surf club.
Mana (also known as "The fast girl in pink") won 1st a second followed by a 2nd and then another 2nd.

In total she now had 4 prizes......and I said "WOW you have won so many prizes" and I could see a mix of sheer joy and a little sadness....."Why do I have so many prizes?.....and why are their some children that don't?"

"Daddy can I give a prize to the white girl (nothing raciest in that she was actually wearing white) Mana wanted to give a prize to one of the other girls as she didn't win anything and Mana had 4........please pause here for maximum effect and insert...Proud Dad moment here.

With kids in tow we made our way down to the beach and hung out at by a small stream where the kids could play safely with no waves.

I went out for a surf and on my return Mana surprised me by actually asking if she could have a go on my surfboard which she promptly jumped on and started to paddle.

Another big moment for me (Wow what a year so far).....its only Mana's 2nd time on a surfboard (the first time doesn't really count as she was 1 and a bit and she more or less crawled over it and I took a photo)

But let the records show that today was the day that launched her surfing career.....hahaha

After playing all together in the stream and covered in black sand we wandered back to the house just to "graze" again before our evening stroll on the beach feeling content (with full tummy's) and watching the kids play in the evening glow of the sunset sun setting I would have to say "This was a good day!".......bring on 2008.

(About 2 minutes after we left Mana was asleep)

Christmas day

2008-01-01T22:03:00.000+13:00

Well here we are....Christmas day!
Thought Mana would have a wee bit of a sleep in after last nights effort but come this morning at 0550 we were woken by the sweet gentle voice of our daughter.....NOT it was more of a blood curdling scream of "SANTA......SANTA.....Mummy Santa's been.....look,look....LOOOOOOOK!!!

Keiko prepared a awesome feast and we dragged the two couch's put them together threw in blankets pillows and "Gugu" to make our own "Couch Island"

K and I would just laze back and read our books while Mana watched her Barbie Princess DVD's.

We only had to get up to answer the call of nature and to "GRAZE............" which we did the entire day.

Merry Christmas everyone.

The Innocence of Youth

2007-12-24T22:08:00.000+13:00

Worked early this morning and was back in time for lunch (which was a bonus) then Keiko and I set about cleaning the house (inside and out) I told Mana that Santa likes a clean and tidy house.
It was pleasant enough evening so we sat outside on the deck and had dinner.

Then settled down to watch "The Polar Express" Id never seen it before so I didn't know the story line,assuming it would be the same ole "Bad kid does something good yad,yada but I have to say I was most impressed.....may of had something to do with the kind,comforting (and wise) voice of Tom Hanks as the Train conductor.

It was awesome just the 3 of us watching the movie.

Mana was so excited (about the movie and Christmas) she was all "Ohhh and Ahh" and its a moment Keiko and I will always treasure.
I even said "I wish Mana NEVER grows up.....just let her be this age forever....."

I guess that has got to be the hardest part of being a parent,having to accept the fact that one day she's not going to be that innocent little girl,wide eyed and full of questions......she is going to grow up!.

Ive pretty much given up on Santa........but ahhh thru her...."The innocence of youth"
Merry Christmas everyone.

Summer or Winter??

2007-12-23T13:49:00.000+13:00

Read Maya's blog as she was leaving a chilly 2c from Narita Airport homeward bound back to Singapore and today I went to Ken's blog site from Alaska and read there was 40cm of snow the other day.

This whole Winter/Summer thing just does my head in sometimes and I honestly know how it all equates to the rest of the world Northern vs Southern hemisphere etc.....but isn't it just alittle strange sometimes....especially round Christmas time?

While the Northern part of the world is snuggling up with fluffy warm clothing and a bit of mulled wine down here were stripping off and having barbque's.....and a cold beer.

Woke early yesterday and was in the water by 0700 for a morning surf at Maori Bay.

I surfed for 2.5 hours in what can only be described as pretty bloody perfect with only 5 others, so great crew,warmish water awesome fun waves all while watching the morning sunrise.....came home had lunch and then back out just to hang out with "My Girls" at the beach.
Kitted out with our sun shelter tent from Katmandu (Just quietly a bargin and a great investment at $29.95)

The required snacks of popcorn (yes popcorn) Water and fresh Apricots and Peaches I picked up from "Veggeco"on the way out.

We were set for a afternoon of......well anything really.

Its full moon at the moment so there is a nice big low tide....enough to allow us access to the Maori Bay cave,which doesn't happen very often.

Mana was alittle unsure at first but then it was all on with yelling shouting and hooting.

When we came out Keiko asked "Was that you?" meaning the Monkey noises....Mana and I laughed and laughed in case you don't know there are only a extra couple of chromosome's that separate us from Orangutans!! That's probably why Mana and I do a great monkey impression.

Mana asked Mummy to go down to the water where she then proceeded to splash her.

Mum fought back but she was the one who came back to the safety of the tent looking a whole lot wetter than her daughter.

Oh and Merry Christmas

Christmas comes early

2007-12-07T19:08:00.000+13:00

Well for me anyway.

Today I finally picked up my new board.

What a "HELL" couple of months and I spent more time travelling to and fro from the repair shop than actually being in the water.

It all started when I smashed the tail (twice)then followed up with the leg rope plug being ripped out (resulting in board going one way me the other = a very LONG swim) then not to be out done I snapped a fin off and broke the fin box....enough is enough I said (well not those exact words but you get the drift)

Glen Carkeek from Primal Surfboards http://www.primalsurf.com/ came to my rescue and produced this little beauty. (Measurements 6.8 X 20 1/4 X 20 5/8)

Glen maybe short in stature but he is definitely larger than life.....and knows his sh#t,wandering around his factory/store barefoot with a light dusting of "surfboard snow" on his clothes he has the "stoke" of a young grommie.

Always keen to talk (and listen) so he can advise you on any new developments and what's what in the surfing world.

Primal started out as a hardcore surfboard label in a back factory in Barrys Point Road here in Auckland about 1991.

Since then I have to say its grown to be one of the best known surfboard labels/brands about with at least every 3 board I see out West being a Primal.

Cheers bro

Whites Beach DATE

2007-12-05T22:04:00.000+13:00

Decided to head out to an little unknown place called Whites Beach for a "look see".

Drove out heading towards Piha then we turned off onto the winding unsealed gravel road for about 20 minutes.

Then caught our first glimpse of Piha and onto White Beach.
We parked the car and made our way down the track/drive way.......sounds simple enough.........and down.........and down.......and holly heck,DOWN some more and then (this was beyond a joke now) down some more to FINALLY end up at a small clearing and a AWESOME view.....only trouble was to get to Whites beach we had to go down SOME MORE!!!! (Psst this is now official a HIKE)

But don't get us wrong it was totally worth it.

As we made our way thru the last of the twisted pohutkawa over the Ice plant and grasses to the wind swept,untrodden sand we both had to agree that this was a pretty amazing out there place.

The rock pools were the "Noah's Ark" version of coastal marine life the who's who in the sea world.

100s of crabs scurrying into cracks for protection.

Shellfish Limpets,Mussels,Kutai,Cats eye......well pretty much Kaeo for Africa.

Jellyfish (and other single cell creatures)

Shags,gull,Swallows,Torea,Takapu (Gannet)

Fish like yellow tail and small Kahawai were "zipping" about between the rocks.

The whole place just had this vibe about it........beautifully dangerous you could feel the raw power of the ocean and isolation of the area.....with a good dose of humbling insignificance.......There is more to this world than just me!!

I'm not even going to go into details of the climb back up,but lets just say it was ......interesting.

K's Bday

2007-12-05T20:49:00.001+13:00

Yesterday was Keiko's Birthday and we started the morning off with Mana whispering (well not quite whispering) in my ear "Can I say Happy Birthday to Mummy?"
(Geezzz this was 0640 you can say whatever you want just let me go back to sleep.)

I knew that was not going to happen (once she's awake and has her mind set....that's it)
So the Birthday wish was given.......and received with as much enthusiasm as K could muster (at 0640)

I dropped Mana off at school (yahooooo date time!!) and K and I headed out towards Bethells beach after a short drive we arrived at the car park and were greeted by warm sunshine,a very mild temperature a light sea breeze and the welcoming choirs of Tui's,Kingfishers and Kihikihi (Cicada)

The start of the walk kicks off with a easy meander following the stream to one of the biggest "HUNKS" of natural sand dunes Ive ever seen...that and the fact that your surrounded by the lush greenery of the Waitakeres and here is this huge "HUNK" of black sand smack dab in the middle of nowhere makes it all that more impressive.

As we made our way to the top of the dune,we definetly started to feel the heat and even thought the wind had turned into a fresh sea breeze the by now sun heated black sand was doing just that and getting hotter.

Finally at the top with views of Lake Wainamu (mosquito water) and a welcome change of angle down to the lakes edge and to abit of shade under the Manuka trees.

On the way home we picked up a 3 individual cakes from "Eve's Pantry".

I had the Rich blueberry cheese cake,K had the Tiramisu (Chocolate/Coffee and Masculpone cheese) and Mana a kinda of cup cake (pink of course) each with a candle we sang "Happy Birthday" and then gave K her present a Ponamu Koru necklace

Actually Ive had her present for months and Ive been wearing it prior to gifting it to her custom/tradition is that Ponamu should never be brought for ones self and by me wearing it some of my wairua or soul/sprit goes into the stone so I'm always with her.

(Same with Mana's present we have got her (a Ponamu shaped (Heart") both Mum and I have taken turns about wearing it all without Mana knowing so that Mum and Dad will always be with her too.

Cascade falls DATE

2007-11-02T21:21:00.000+13:00

Time for another Waitakere Ranges adventure.

Was a great little walk but to tell you the truth I wasn't that impressed with the Cascade Falls and I was hoping for a "CASCADE-Y type water falls...." but turned out to be more of a lazy flow of water over some equally boring rocks (hence no photo) never mind as I said the walk was easy and very enjoyable.
In case Waitakere Council is reading this........ "NEVER" put a sign up stating that a MAX of 6 people at a time,otherwise your just asking for it ......I "had" to jump up and down on it while K was trying to walk across it (as you do) which was surely the equivalent weight of 6 people.

Then all of a sudden his fellow "Popped" up on the track (very cool indeed)

Let the youth engage in youthful activities

2007-10-04T21:41:00.000+13:00

Mana has become quite the skilled speed demon on her bike now and as a result of this new found freedom (and speed) I'm forced to "run" after her........that was until today when I dusted off my old Edwards"Pro Slalom" skateboard which I brought as a birthday present for myself when I was about 11 or 12 (yeah you do the math)

Although gathering dust Ive still been using it (if not for the intended purpose) for moving house/Flat furniture and other heavy bits and pieces.

But it wasn't until Dad and I did a engine change 10 or so years ago (balancing a 350 cubic inch V8 engine on a skateboard 12 inches wide was nothing short of incredible) only then did I start to realised the true potential (and usefulness) of a simple board with wheels.

Anyhoo back to the story at hand,off we headed for a quick lap around the neighbourhood,both of us were enjoying our new found freedom (well she was.......I was simply rediscovering my youth)

We arrived back home safe and sound beaming with youthful smiles and I.........tripped over the curb.....with the "How old are you?" ringing in the back of my head I limped inside........

Up North

2007-10-02T01:24:00.001+13:00

Continuing on.......

We left Paihia and began the LONG drive out toward the West Coast (I can remember doing this journey years ago with the family and my best friend Albert and had painful and boring memories of how long the drive was.....plus that was in Dad's van so you can imagine how much longer this leg would be in a bus!......so yeah a little worried about my girls following .......but I need not had worried.

Was a bit on the windy side as we busted out to the entrance to the Hokianga Harbour on the West coast but we still managed to get a couple of whanau shots inbetween the wind gusts of us.

Then it was on to the famous 1200 year old "Tane Mahuta" (actually not nearly as impressive as the ones on"Pop's tour yesterday.....but cool all the same)

We stopped off in Dargarville where my passengers discovered that the packed lunches that had been prepared for them for today's lunch were still sitting in the carpark waiting to be picked up!!

So a stop at the Kauri Museum was called for the (by now starving and alittle cranky) students could feed "The hunger".

All in all a very enjoyable (althought long) couple of days "Up North"

Some serious "Whanau" time

2007-09-30T19:34:00.000+13:00

Ive got a 2 day job up to the beautiful Bay of Islands........and its School holidays.......so what better way to take advantage of the situation of me being away than to have Keiko and Mana follow me up in the car (may as well make full use of the hotel)

Made it up to Pihia just in time for lunch and while my group was off busy organising optional stuff for tomorrow we had a bite to eat at "Franks Cafe" of Pizza and Chips....yummy!!.

We arrived to find Dad,Rylee and the dogs walking down the driveway to which Mana announced that she was getting out of the car and walk with them........and that was pretty much the last I saw of her (I say "last I saw of her",but I definitely heard them playing on the bikes,in the trees and in the hammock laughing,screaming and just making "KID sounds".....)

After a couple of hours of running around like headless chickens Pop took us on a tour to the Manginagina Forest to get up close and personnel to some of the local "Giants" (The mighty Kauri tree) then abit more driving......some more twisting 'n' turning down dirt roads to arrive at a small town in the Waihou Valley for a ice cream and a LOTTO ticket....it didn't win by the way,but the ice cream was well worth the drive.

Then out to a place called "Matauri Bay" now home to the wreck of Greenpeace's "Rainbow Warrior" which was bombed and sunk in Auckland harbour in 1985,towed up here and then re-sunk as a divers wreck.

A beautiful beach of "untouched" stones and lots of rock pools full of crabs,seaweed and other sea creatures to explore.

Our final stop was at one of Dad's mates orchard.....to pick oranges........and it was

probably the highlight for Mana,she just couldn't get over how many oranges there were on the trees (and the ground) and I don't think the car had stopped before the seat belt was off,the door was open and she was off..........

It was so funny to see this little pink dressed girl running from one row to the next yelling and screaming "Orange,orange......ipai orange..." ("Ipai" Japanese for lots)

Mana found that Daddy makes a useful "extension" when it comes to picking the ones right on the top (never mind the perfectly good ones arms length away on the ground)

She also discovered that she could only carry 2 in each hand at a time....so up with the skirt and you could easily double that.

All this work makes you hungry and Poppa became the official "Orange Boy"..........and for the record, 2 full shopping bags of beautifully sweet juicy oranges only lasts 2 weeks in our household.

Peace talks 07

2007-09-26T15:38:00.001+12:00

So there is 1 remaining Chocolate biscuits and 2 Marshmallows on a plate and two very hungry Chocolate biscuit and Marshmallow eaters,lets call them Party A and Party B.....What a dilemma we have got ourselves into.

Who gets what?

Are they to be divided up and shared equally?

Do they play a game of skill where winner takes all?

Does either party deserve them?

I'm happy to report that no tears were shed during this negotiations and both parties shared fairly and even showed affection to one another with a kiss...........sadly Party A (Poppa) played the "Can I have some of yours?" card and the smaller and "YOUNGER" Party B of course worshipping the ground party A walks on submitted to his request.

LOVE this photo....

2007-09-12T11:50:00.001+12:00

Dad called me last night and said "Haven't seen you guys for awhile.......Is it alright if I "Pop" down tomorrow?"

As you can tell we are all pretty "STOKED" to see my Dad,K's Father in-law and Mana's Poppa and for him to see his Son,Daughter in-law and Mokopuna......

Karekare DATE

2007-09-12T11:50:00.000+12:00

Our Wedding anniversary is coming up soon and I thought it appropriate that K and I venture out to where it all began.........way back in 99.

K and I had just finished a 5 day tour together and I ever so casually mentioned that I was going to this beach called Karekare out West.......(Nudge,nudge)

To which she said "That sounds cool... can I come?"

Ha....so simple and look where we are now.

Today was abs-so-lutley stunning weather wise and after we dropped off Mana at school (we kinda got the feeling that she wasn't too impressed that we were going to the beach without her) we headed out.

It was so beautiful and peaceful when we arrived to face the first obstacle...."The Stream" and since this was a "Date" I guess it was up to me to provide the transport over said obstacle (I think I did the same in 99 too)

We both arrived on the other side and I couldn't wait to until to sink my toes in the sun heated black sand (fresh waters cold!)

Then it was "Let the exploring begin" the rocky outcrop was alive with sea life,different types of shellfish of various size, crabs and birds all just "Hangin"......like they do.

I glad that here in the Waitakeres all roads off Piha Road have a ban on taking shellfish so that everyone can see and enjoy the treasures that Tangaroa has to offer.......sure you could grab a feed......but to me that's just wrong.

A bans put in place to protect it for everyone....you,me and the future.

Oops sorry,anyhoo it was a great date.

Tent

2007-09-10T12:29:00.000+12:00

What better way to be stuck indoors than pitching a tent in the lounge......almost like real camping but without having to deal with the unpredictable weather Gods or the bugs........and having the added bonus of having Mum make snacks!!!

So........what can you do in a tent.....well first of all you can do a kinda yoga bridge thing......you can just relax and "Hang".....draw or read......but best of all you can eat SANDWICHES!!

Whatipu DATE

2007-09-08T19:26:00.001+12:00

And the dating continues........the weather started to really pack in as we drove out to West.
It was about 1hour drive thru Titirangi past Cornwallis and on to Huia and a a further 7 kms to the remote wilderness of Whatipu.

(Web site Caution - the Whatipu Road is a narrow, winding gravel road and prone to flooding .)

Ummmm yup I certainly can confirm that.

We walked for about 20mins to the caves & then a further 30 mins out and along the beach, the wind was a fair blowing and the weather had cleared up (abit) but there were still the odd rain bomb here and there but all in all it was a fantastic to see and feel the power of the West.

We managed to shelter from the wind (which by this stage had got to the "Blustery" stage) and as we "snugged" behind a large outcrop of rocks overlooking the entrance to the Manukau Harbour we could see "The Bar" with huge pounding surf smashing its way onto the shallow and shifting sand bar.

Wow an amazing place.....

KItekite DATE

2007-09-06T22:45:00.000+12:00

Its been pretty quiet at work recently which has been a blessing in disguise as K and I have had time to go "Dating" and with my days off (yes plural "DAY's ") linking up with Mana being at school we have managed to go on a number of DATES........(and sneak in a few surfs too.)

So we headed out over the Waitakere ranges to Piha, right into Glen Esk road follow that to the end,found a park (which today being a weekday.......was no problem) to enter the Kitekite Falls track.

The walk itself is actually quite easy, all the pathways are well formed & sign posted and wide enough for two (if you get the urge to hold hands)

The stream is gently "babbling" and the banks are lined with hundreds of Nikau's,ferns and other lush native scrubs.

We made our way up and away from the stream the dampness was replaced with the sweet aroma of the Manuka tree with its small white flowers in full bloom and with the occasionally piriwakawaka darting and twittering about our feet and the beating wings of the Keruru perched in the branches its hard to believe we are only 50 minutes from Downtown Auckland.

We took our time as we wandered on back making a "B" line for the "Piha Store" for a top up of freshly made coffee a Honey and nut cake for K and a Chicken and avocado roll type thing for me and with food and drink in hand we sat on the warm black sand and soaked in the "WEST" that is the BEST........Kau mau te wehi.

Whats in your sandwich?

2007-08-22T21:15:00.000+12:00

We went to our local Pak n Save this morning for abit of shopping.

K disappeared down one of the aisles and Mana chan and I continued on......down past the "Deli section"and it just hit us.......that wonderfully comforting aroma that sends you into a spin of Mum's home baking.......ahhhh FRESHLY baked bread.
With palms pressed against the display cabinet worshiping the BREAD GODS (and drooling just abit) when K said "Oh get some of those ones with the bacon bits for lunch"

Sitting down for lunch Mana wanted 2 rolls for lunch which she promptly split both in two,then took the two bottoms pieces "Dozo Daddy" which she gave to me,took the two top pieces buttered them up,followed by "Marmite,abit of Sasauge,some Broccoli (yes broccoli) tomatoes and a couple of Kettle Potato chips.............according to her it was "Oshiiiiiiiiii......."

Hmmm wonder where she gets that from??

A bike for Mana

2007-08-21T23:08:00.000+12:00

So I guess if it only costs $64 you'd kinda expect there to be some sort of catch (assembly required) so it may have been produced in China but it was made here by a Maori!!

Mana loved the basket to carry her toys and Mum decorated it up with flowers.

All nuts and bolts checked (and double checked) it was out for a test drive.....ride!!

What another Secret Spot "X"......

2007-08-18T08:16:00.000+12:00

Managed to talk my Japanese group into including Auckland's North Shore as part of there Auckland sights.

Miyuki thought it was a wonderful idea and told the customers that "I" was giving them a very unique opportunity as we don't normally go there..........

Didn't want to tell them that I was motivated by reports of Takapuna (I mean "Secret Spot X" was breaking) well not so secret I guess with Rangitoto Island in the background.

Having just completed a Day Skippers cse I now know that there are 2 surfers travelling on the wrong side of that Green Starboard-hand Marker......haha.

By the way you could count on one hand how many times this place has surf able waves "EVER" so I guess it was a unique experience for everyone after all.......

A hard days work

2007-08-15T20:19:00.000+12:00

It was a beautiful day today ideal for a spot of Winter/Spring pruning (my Dad always told me "Plant as many trees & bushes as possible when you move in........if you don't like it later you can always chop em down....."

The back was getting abit out of hand so I guess this was one of those "later" times.

Mana was helping me drag the branches out of the way and when I came back with another load she was gone.......well not for long.

And what better way to finish a hard day gardening and playing about but with a nice relaxing massage.........

Spot "X"....

2007-08-04T15:07:00.000+12:00

I just finished my last People to People tour for 2007 and thought I was in desperate need of abit of "ME" time to unwind.
After hours of searching through the gigabytes of information on the net and then with my newly obtained knowledge of "The East Coast will be pumping..........."
I headed off to bed.

After the 0810 George FM surf report (good on ya Luke) http://www.georgefm.co.nz/ which went into great detail of the conditions, But I only heard....Clean glassy,3-4 ft northeast,offshore, Pumping Waves, 8/10..... I was off!!

An hour and ahalf drive later......with only about a dozen crew out......I was pretty happy with my decision.

As I was "squeezing" into my brand new 4x3 wetsuit my old mate Peter (ex airforce) pulled up and immediately went about jumping up & down and pretty much "frothing" like a "grommie" yelling & screaming,he stripped,changed and was off (still yelling)

By the way the new wetsuit was AWESOME 1hr.45 minutes later in water temp of 16c and I was still toastie.
Kinda a bad thing really for the whanau as now the Winter chill won’t put me off going out.

Homeward bound (the long way)

2007-07-23T16:58:00.000+12:00

Got up early this morning and went out for another surf to Manu Bay,swell had dropped off alot since yesterday (and it wasn't as cold) ......Ya gotta love those "DAWNYS"

By the time I got back to our accom the weather had cleared up enough for Mana to venture out into the garden for a look see (she loved how the pathway "scrunched" a she walked)

We all packed up and went into the township to explore the local shops.

At the entrance to the harbour I noticed a Pohutukawa tree was flowering (very unusual for this time of the year) but a welcome surprise to see that despite the cool weather of late a change of season was on its way...... and so with the
sun shinning we left Whaingaroa behind (Whai stingray- nga the- roa long )

The drive back was.....well just so relaxing and with the assistance of my trusty Navman Pin570 we took the road least travelled and for K and I we both ohhh-ed and ahhhh-ed around every bend (there were a few)

Just really turned out to be a beautiful day for a drive.

Past the Turkeys,the Banded Galloway and the new born lambs to have a stop and a soak in the thermally heated waters in the aptly named Waingaro Hot Springs (Wai-water ngaro- lost or hidden)

Spur of the moment.....

2007-07-22T23:36:00.000+12:00

"Drop of a hat" Seizing the opportunity " what ever you want to call it,they are usually the best descisions.

Ok so I admit that I was pretty down at the prospect of no waves at my beloved "Local" and looking at the forecasts for the Raglan area I could see that despite the weather being cold,rainy and pretty rubbishy, the waves would be better than average.

By the time morning came around I don't know who was more excited me K or Mana.

I found a place on the net called "Waimarie" (Calm waters)

The web site (designed by there daughter) looked the part and it sounded like it had all the "bits & pieces" required for a night away were there.

The 2 and a bit hour drive down was good and Mana entertained herself the whole way with singing,talking (about princesses) snacking and colouring.

We met up with the owners Sue & Tony Burns and straight away got that feeling.......you know the one when you meet someone you get that warm fuzzy feeling?......well this would be one of those times.....wonderful couple obviously very proud and passionate about Raglan.

They both kinda fell over each other telling us "If there is anything you need just let us know....."
Sadly we didn't spend alot of time "chatting" as the skies opened up once again and we dashed for cover inside with arm loads of "over night stuff".

The place was amazing- A self contained unit on the ground level of modern 2 story house.
Decorated in a modern,stylish way,clean bright with a definite homely feel to it especially with the (I'm assuming Sue's) unique personal touches of arts and crafts.

Huge windows/sliding doors leading out onto the decks and into the beautiful garden. (I spied a Gardening award on the wall so I'm assuming that it was for that)

It was so cute to have"Post It" notes stuck everywhere from instructions on how to operate the TV/DVD to the location of the hot plates and the toast bread.

We all went out to Manu Bay,K and Mana laughed as I changed in the rain then plunged into the cold sea (and it was cold about 15c the real killer was the chilly southerly)

They shot off into town to get a DVD and returned an hour later (thank goodness for that I was losing the feeling in my feet)

As soon as we got back I "thawed" out with a yummy HOT shower and while Mana watched her "Barbie Swan Lake" DVD I went into town to get dinner.

A very tasty wood fired Hawaiian Pizza,Wedges some Chicken plus a few bottles of the local drop "Raglan Gold"(actually not too bad)

After dinner we all played "Junior Scrabble" which Mana pretty much kicked butt on.

All of that was followed by a very convincing win by the All Blacks over the Aussies......so yeah pretty good night

Whoever said there is no such thing as a free lunch

2007-06-28T16:22:00.000+12:00

THINK AGAIN !!!
Quite simple really,you take some golden fries (with Aioli) a "Doofer" to hold your BACON BACKFIRE burger containing Chicken fillet, bacon, brie, salad, relish and aioli.
Keep your $9.90 in your pocket and sit back comfortable in the knowledge that you are about to enjoy one of those very rare moments in your lifetime........"A free lunch".

Good ole Burger Fuel sent me out a Birthday voucher with this simple message..............

"One free burger cause its your birthday........"

Good on ya Burger Fuel......

Cars,Boats=TOYS

2007-06-25T20:59:00.000+12:00

Caught up with my very good friend the other day.

We lazed about at his home and leisurely chatted over yummy bikkies and a nice hot cuppa tea about whanau and friends.......and there new venture which they are about to "launch"

Launch being the right term to use as he and his wife are about to embark on a very exciting (and brave) new business called "Ultimate Escapes" and as you can see its going to be BIG!!!

As you can see the vessel isn't completed yet but will be on the water in and around Tauranga and the beautiful Bay of Plenty very soon so WATCH THIS SPACE!!

What an awesome boat and as he filled my head with facts and figures on the performance,the kitchen (actually the correct term is Galley) how many bedrooms (Yes BEDROOMS) size of this weight of that I was just completely blown away.........one thing I do remember was that there is over 4km on cable to connect all the electrical and electronic equipment......WOW!

The reason I was abit on the forgetful/vacant side was that I was still BUZZING OUT form the ride in "THE GOKART" also known as a Dodge Viper" what an insane ride

I found myself giggling like a little school boy like the first time I heard the someone say "Girls undies"
What a completely insane ride........and just sitting (well more of lying) and feeling that raw "bring it on bro" power sent me into yet another uncontrollable bout of laughter.

Awesome car bro,well done and if you need anything to polished/cleaned or shifted ,give me a call.

East Coast Jewel

2007-06-20T23:11:00.000+12:00

Just in case there was ever any doubt that this country of Aotearoa is beautiful .......that's my shadow in the bottom right cornor.

Fully intended on going for a surf today and all surf reports indicated a N-NE ground swell was on its way......but as luck would have it I was a day too early.,but hey

A quick check of my SURF BIBLE I discovered that another beach and surf location was just over the hill....... and with no surf in site I thought the walk would do me good.

Started off ok with abit of a climb which very quickly transformed into a goat track with various types of native & introduced scrub,ferns,prickly bushes and tree all doing there bit to get in my way and prevent any forward movement.

But after 45mins of "Bush bashing" I arrived at Orokawa Bay........

....and with not another soul in sight.

With the winter sun on my face and a gently breeze this is where I stayed for the next hour with my own Pohutukawa "lounge seat" and my own thoughts....... Kau mau te wehi......

What to do on a cold and wintery day??

2007-06-10T15:16:00.000+12:00

So what do you do??

Its a cold rainy miserably day outside and the whole whanau has come down with the flu in various stages.......so what are your options?

Watch a video/DVD? Eat? Jump around and get a little bit crazy ?

Sleep? (Obviously you don't have children if you think that's an option).................................a couple of blankets,a kitchen table ,a few pillows and you have your very own BLANKET HOUSE!!!!

Managed to pretty much fill in the whole day as we were in and out out of it eating,reading,drawing....ummm eating again and snuggling up .

Mum prepared us some snacks and with he introduction of the torch shed some light on new adventures (sorry about that) and only took it down so we could have dinner (of course Mana protested.....she wanted to eat inside it)

K made an awesome meal of NZ lamb,Miso,Rice,a yummy carrot & celery and a apple salad dish and to top it all off I had some "Warm Shochu"

Thank you to Kayo and Tsjui kun gave it to "us" as a omiyage (present) when they came over for there Wedding/Honeymoon in March this year.

Boy nothing like a bit of nurukan (warm) 25% alcohol to settle that annoying cough.....yeah I know who am I trying to kid.....cough,cough!

How quickly time flies

2007-06-02T10:06:00.000+12:00

"Happy Birthday Daddy........" was the sweet chime of my daughters voice this morning (OK so it was 0730 and I still wanted to sleep some more but hey)
We all got up and had breakfast anticipating the days events only to watch the skies grow darker and gloomier with the approaching rain.

After breakfast Mana and K set about putting the final touches on my Bday cake with fresh whipped cream,grated chocolate and the last of the strawberries from our garden (yes I'm still getting strawberries I guess no one told them its suppose to be winter)

How to make a cake....mix the cream,put it on the cake,grate up the chocolate......sprinkle on (do a taste test) add strawberries smile for the camera and......

......Ta Daaaaa

Mana gave me a Birthday card that she had made/drew herself and then my gift,a new Philips 7100 Series shaver very cool looking (and so quiet) my old one sounded like a swam of killer bees being chased by a lawn mower

It rained off and on the rest of the day so we just hung out and lazed about watching DVD/Videos and playing......I was more than happy to rest as I was still abit tired from my 2 and a half hour surf yesterday (Arigatoo K glad you convinced me to go)

Then it was off for a Bday dinner at a Japanese Restaurant called "NARITA"

It was a real mish mash of clutter inside (not dirty or messy just....full on) I could see how someone who had been to or lived in Japan would find something about it appealing as it had pretty much everything inside.

On one wall was a TV showing Sumo and another was a kids DVD the music was kinda rock (which K immediately took a liking too) and they were a huge collection of old and new figurines,statues,fans,sports memorabilia and from floor to ceiling and empty SAKE bottles lined the windows........so yeah cool in a messy sort of way.

I had the Kabayaki Unagi K had the the Narita dinner box and Mana chan had Udon as well as Edamame,Sashimi and Gyu Tataki with some sake (for me only) all in all it was a pretty good feed.

Oh and Sis Kia huritau ki a koe.....Arohanui (Happy Birthday to you too from your little brother)

Some weird things about bugs

2007-05-27T14:31:00.000+12:00

What do you know about the Praying Mantis??

Well first off........its green (but can come in other colours) it waits very patiently and looks like its "Praying" hence the name I suppose and it likes to eat "LIVE" prey.

We placed in a few dead flies but he/she just wasn't interested.............and while we are on the subject of he and she the male cannot copulate while its head is attached to its body......Ah?

The female initiates sex by ripping the males head off........now although fascinating in nature-y type of way.......come on that's just wrong!

"Hi honey I'm home..........what the???"

Anyhoo this one is the South African breed which has been here in NZ since the 80's and Mana was just so into it.

After a long day of catching flies (You try swatting flies but not squishing them)

Kosuke and I went out for a quick surf 4-5ft SW swell and 20knot onshore it wasn't pretty but Oneils beach was the only place and I was getting desperate.

Ive had my new ride for nearly a month and only been out on it 3 times in on very small 1-2ft waves (so its still looking disgustingly "NEW" and LEARNER-ish) so I was keen to try it out on something bigger........bigger was an understatement.....it was a typical WILD West coast........but I'm happy to report that my board.....and me both survived.

As I said it was a quick surf and as the sun started to disappear and the darkness pretty well took over I was home for the scheduled time of 1745 (Ok so it was a few minutes later than that but pretty dam close)

We all piled into the car to drive to our favorite eatery "Golden Silk Thai Restaurant" in Kumeu were we planned to met up with Jenny and her sister Regina.

Jenny works for Zespri International and I have been driving for them over the last couple of months so it was quite cool to meet and catch up away from the job.....and the fresh homegrown tomatoes plus the yummy Zespri Gold kiwifruit were well received thank you.

As usual when it comes to that place all thoughts of taking photos went right out the window and I as soon as I took a photo of my dish of "Tender beef slices and veggies sizzling on a hot plate in a special garlic sauce huger got the better of me and I couldn't really tell you what everyone else had........I just know that it was sooooooo good.

Mana drew her a thank you picture and its on her way by snail mail as we speak.

What would you do.....?

2007-05-22T22:04:00.000+12:00

OK so its 9c and I'm up at the crack of dawn.

Amped out of my mind at the thought of trying my new surfboard on some of the Bay of Plenty's waves

I prepared everything for a morning surf the night before only to discover that the predicted swell has not arrived......Hmmmmmm

Question-What do you do?

Answer- Absolutely NOTHING!

Fruit for the Whanau

2007-05-02T09:08:00.000+12:00

Woohoo that's how I feel.
After 3 years of carefully pruning, fertilizing (is that a word?) watering, TLC......Hell even talking to them, my Fejoia tree has "finally"come up with the "GOODS"........and to top it all off the Mandarins,Lemons and Grapefruits are all coming to the party as well.

Now its not enough to feed the world,but it is just enough to give my whanau a wee (note wee) taste.
Special thanks again to Carrol G for explaining the value of "Cross pollination" for fejoi trees (Gees sounds like a Oscar award speech) and to Bob up the road for giving me some fertilizer and general tips.