Aardvark Reunion

Met up with people we shared the years 1970-73 with. We were part of a gang based around Auburn who had a few great long weekends at Gerroa. We also had a league team called the Auburn Aardvarks
Some we hadn't seen for 40 years but the fun just flowed in the Hunter Valley where many had trekked from places such as the Gold Coast, Ballina, Kiama and Dubbo. We had a great Saturday night watching old video and remembering the 70's

Return to Christchurch

We returned to see little William again on our original planned trip on March 18th. Another 2 weeks was largely spent with the McNamara family at Rolleston, helping out and getting to know William more.
Elena came over too for a long weekend, so Gail and I drove up to Marlborough for a few days. Beautiful drive and time to sample a few wines.
Gail was skittle teary leaving on Easter Sunday. It will be a little while before we see them again.

William Chase McNamara

Our first grandchild came into the world on Sunday Feb 17th - 4 weeks early!
It necessitated a hastily organised dash across the Tasman when Kate went into hospital on the Thursday night.
Unfortunately we were a little late for the birth but got to meet him as a new citizen of only a few hours old.
We stayed for 10 days to help out in the difficult first days of feeding and getting organised for small humans that require a huge commitment of time and energy. Nanny Gail and I may be a little biased, but we think wee William is a pretty cute baby and pretty well behaved for a "premy"

Christmas in NZ

After flying in on Christmas Eve and a chance to settle in, we woke to a late morning start to unwrap our presents. I think Mark was the most excited to get a new driving helmet and his "slicer-dicer" that he had admired so much on TV.
Katie prepared a wonderful lunch with turkey, ham , potato bake and salads. The Slicer-dicer was put to use making. Mountain of coleslaw.
The warm and sunny afternoon was spent at the O'Connors property nearby watching the kids (big and small) enjoy the pool and water guns. The traditional cricket match was replaced by soccer until your correspondent twisted an ankle. The sun went down around 9.30 as we made our way home

TdF Day 45 - Chantilly Creme

The last day of our tour of France has finally come. The final leg back to Paris and our airport hotel took us first to Chantilly for a look at the Chateau and the nearby racetrack and stables.
It was one of the highlights of the trip and so much more user-friendly than the crowded Versailles. The whole thing is on a grand scale, but the art collection was the most remarkable, with 3 Raphael's on one wall alone.
We had a look at the racetrack next door but not in to the massive stables on the course. They looked like another palace.
Reality set in when we drove to our hotel near the airport and started the bag packing exercise. Will be good to get the trip over and be back home. Been an amazing experience!

TdF Day 44 - Monet's Garden

The last of the Pelaton were dropped at Versailles as Kez and Frank departed for Berlin, while we headed on our final sprint out and back to Paris. The rain tumbled down as we left for Giverny, but impeccable planning had the rain stop and the sun poke through as we reached Giverny.
Monet's garden and house were worth the look. The house was nice and even though we were well into the autumn the gardens and lily ponds were pretty special.
Lunch in Les Anderlys (the fish was ray!) on our way to Lyons La Foret - one of the beautiful villages of France. Market was finished but people crowding the streets and restaurants. A wander and relax on the agenda.
One day left.

TdF Day 43 - Versailles and rain

It was sad to leave La Ravenne after a great week of Champagne indulgence. It felt like home for us all. Langfords headed back across France to Normandy for their final week, while team Etho took Kez and Frank to Versailles.
Our arrival was very wet and we were very thankful to reach our lovely hotel -the Pullman is close by the chateau. Borrowed hotel umbrellas to make the walk to the chateau, but of little use in the driving rain! Decided to see the interiors first and hope for a let-up to see the gardens and fountain show.
Battling the crowds inside was a challenge, especially for Frank, so with dark skies building we hired a golf buggy to get us around the incredible gardens and grounds. The fountains were spectacular and thankfully the sun reappeared so that we could walk back to the hotel to get out of the wet clothes. Quite an experience!
Dinner in our hotel to celebrate Kerry and Franks anniversary - thanks Frank.
Really appreciate having them with us over the last week - a great effort and great company.