Sad times and happy times

This morning our neighbour let Alison know that Megan's cat, Freya, had been killed in the road outside our house, a very sad occasion as Freya was a lovely and very gentle, shy cay. We will all miss her.

However, the family decided that, while we will miss Freya, a new kitten would be a welcome addition to the house hold. So Alison & Megan went off to a place called 'Forgotten Felines' and came back with a very little kitten. He/she is only about 5 weeks old and already is the centre of attention. Megan has named the kitten Luna from Luna Lovegoode in the Harry Potter series.

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Back at work

Well I'm back at work today, it struck home as I was putting my socks on after the morning swim,I had last worn socks to work the last time. Work isn't too bad I suppose, not many emails at all so it is not hard to ease back into it.

I did take a bit of stick this morning at swimming. I am using my old wetsuit as my newer one needs a bit of a repair. But my old one needs a lot of repair, so much so that it probably is beyond sensible repair, so I have half my back uncovered and the suit lets lots of water in, luckily it's not so cold at the moment, in fact I probably don't need it, but I am so slow without it. Added to the wetsuit, I didn't sunblock on the swim yesterday and so have a red face, with a white scalp where the swim cap covers it and goggle shaped white patches round the eyes.

I am also waiting for my Xmas present. I knew what I wanted and was ready to order it, but for some unfathomable reason left it to Xmas to order it, no logical reason, maybe I didn't want it to arrive early and then not be able to play with it. SO I put the order in on the 25th (on the web) but the shop was shut to the 3rd Jan so I had to wait longer. And then it was delivered today, but the courier dork just left a note for it to be picked up, despite the fact that the front door was open and Alison and the kids were at home. So now I have to wait till tomorrow and am now really spitting. Oh, by the way its a waterproof GPS so I can track my swimming.

2007 wrap up

I thought a wrap up of the year might be appropriate, it at least makes me think of what has gone on this year.

Duncan
Duncan started this year by getting a pet dog, an SPCA street special called Juno. It looks like she has some labrador, border collie and a couple of other breeds in her history, but she is a very good natured, if energetic dog. He has been very good at exercising her and walks her twice a day, in all weathers, sometimes with a little help from his family.

He has been a keen member of the local scout group this year, having come up from cubs at the end of last year. He went on summer camp at the start of the year, camped at Muriwai, and had a sleep over at the zoo. See some pictures of Duncan at scouts here.

It was also year 6 camp this year at Tui Ridge park in Rotorua. I got to go along as a parent helper and enjoyed the trip as much as the kids did.

Duncan & I (Dad) did a trip to the Gold Coast in Australia this year to use up some airpoints. We had a great time and stayed at Nikki Timmerman & her partner Phil's place. Some blogs on this here, here and here. And some photo's here.

Year 6 is also water wise at Glamorgan School, and I was an water wise instructor again. Duncan had a great time doing it and ended up sailing an Optimist single handed. He's keen for more and so we'll look at getting him into the local sailing club.

Megan
It was Megan's first year at secondary school this year and she is really enjoying it. She has many friends, more than her father can keep up with, and currently likes to 'hang out' at the local town centre or shopping mall.

She is still enjoying her ballet, with a goal of being able to dance on point next year.

Her performing doesn't stop with her ballet as she performed in the Stage Challenge, and interschool competition and thoroughly enjoyed doing it.

Alison
Alison keeps the family together as always, takes the kids to their activities, tries to keep the house tidy and tries to get the other people in the house to be as tidy as she is. She did a trip with Megan down to Rotorua (after all dad & Duncan had gone to Australia). Great fun was had at the Agrodome and on the Luge track as well as some quality girl time I'm sure. Photo's here.

Jim (me)

Some of what I have done this year is in the blog, but I am not the best writer so I don't do daily blogs, or anything like it. The main things for me are:
Swimming, I'm doing lots of it and have even managed to shed a few kg this year. The highlight was doing the Whale of a Swim in Whakatane. While I managed to finish I was very sore and determined to do it again with proper preparation, so I am doing it again this March with 5 other friends.
Surf lifesaving. Still involved and am looking after the Rookies this year, 13 year olds who will be guards next year. Megan is a Rookie and keeps me on my toes.
Scouts. I was a scout leader this year with Duncan but agreed at the end of the year to become Group Leader as the current one resigned. I'm sure that will keep me busy next year.

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