Happenings

Last weekend: Had a great day trip with two visiting students, Darcy (Colorado) and Dan (Arizona). First stop: Lyttleton's Saturday morning market to pick up fruits, veggies, fresh fish, and most importantly, picnic supplies. Next stop: Akaroa, about 1 1/2 hours from Christchurch to go hiking/tramping.

First things first though: a winter picnic. We had quite a feast on our table-clothed picnic table (not to mention cloth serviettes!).  What was really amazing though is that while we were sitting there, a scene that will probably be in a future James Bond movie was taking place. There was a person driving a Jetski and coming out of it was a thick hose that powered a space-like contraption that raised another person upright out of the water into the air. I'm hopeless at describing this and definitely need to get one of Darcy's or Dan's pictures to illustrate. Next blog, I hope!  I really felt like I was in a dream as I watched this so I think I also need to see the picture to prove to myself that I actually saw what I think I saw.

Next up: hiking. We got information about a hike that would take about 3 hours. Perfect since it would get us back home in time to walk the dogs. Heading through town to the start of the trail, it became apparent that Dan had a keen eye for identifying potentially misinterpretable signs, e.g. the sign saying 'waterfront' pointed towards the hill even though the beach was 6 steps away in the opposite direction. (Turns out the sign is for the route that cars need to take. :) We passed another one put up by some kind soul encouraging folks to enjoy their garden.

And then there was the garden of eclectic art with, among other things, lots of old boots overflowing with plants.

Then it was to the trail and a good three+ hour hike up and down the hill. First exclamation at the top of the hill: you can get here by car!!! Yeah, but then I wouldn't have been able to sleep in until 11 a.m. the next morning to let my poor muscles re-energize. :)

As for walking Sammy and Tatum when we got back...thanks, Darcy and Dan!

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Another hike today: Tatum, Sammy and I headed up our street and followed Mount Pleasant Road up, up, up to Summit Road which goes along the top of the hills and gives wonderful views of the ocean, hills and valleys. Along the way, we passed lots of sheep who stared at us with great wonder. The one in the picture below wouldn't let us out of his/her sight.

Then there were the cows. This time is was Sammy and Tatum who were staring. They sat on the safe side of the fence and just watched. An older gentleman walked by on his way down the hill and smiled at the pups, and then told me about his two dogs that he would walk up the hills; one was 13 now and found it a bit tough. They too enjoyed watching the sheep and at home, they sat and stared at the birds. The cat, who unfortunately didn't survive much past the earthquakes despite being 20 years old and blind, wasn't much interested in birds. Then he continued down the hill.

 

Other sightings: hardy cyclists plugging their way up the hill; invigorated cyclists speeding down the other way; skate-boarders crouched low on their boards trying to coax as much from gravity as possible as they zoomed down the hill.

Next adventure: Navigating my way down our road (brakes on all the way), through the city and to the university tomorrow on my bike.

Cheers,
Beth

Going home

I'm sitting on our deck in Mount Pleasant, Christchurch with the sun beaming down on me. It's so beautifully warm; I have to remind myself that it's winter. Jon tells me that it wasn't always this nice  the last few weeks. I wouldn't know since I was doing my whirlwind northern hemisphere tour of homes, visiting Thornbury/Meaford/Hamilton in Canada, Columbus and Rochester in the States, and Paris (the one with the amazing croissants).

It was great going home to the peacefulness of the cottage. Of course, it would have been even more relaxing had I not had a couple of "little" deadlines to meet (according to my brother, I always seem to have those...hmmmm...not good.) Nonetheless, I managed to temporarily tame the forest in the backyard, have quality time with the original Humes of Meaford, sister-in-law Karzi, cousin Kim, the aunts and uncles, and others. Having dinner with dad, just the two of us, and going out onto Georgian Bay in his friend's sailboat were special times.

I also went home to Hamilton, my stop between Paris and Rochester (naturally). Had a brief visit with Jen & Lou at their home away from home ... er, cottage. What a treasure to have friends who you may not see for long stretches of time (sometimes 25 years!) and just start where you left off. Next visit is in NZ, right?

Then it was back to my American home, Columbus, for work and for play. I arrived two days after a horrendous storm tore through the city. There were huge trees uprooted and many homes without power. This also meant many suffered with no air conditioning in the 100F plus temperatures. Fortunately, I was staying in a hotel that didn't lose power. It's hard to stay inside all the time though and so I got practice using sun & heat avoidance strategies, like walking behind Zachary to stay in the shade.

Speaking of which, I swear Zachary must have grown in the 4 1/2 months since I'd seen him last; when did he turn into a man?!?! Music producing seems to be on the verge of switching into high gear with one of the musicians he represents about to go big time. You go boy! (I could feel his eyes rolling as I typed that.) Besides hanging out with my "boy", other highlights included visiting with Kitty & Oliver, Deb, Julie, Claudia, Jen & family, Monica, Kathleen, Peter & Diane and, of course, Jeff, Robin & friends at their wedding.

Finally, it was back to my new home, sitting out on the deck enjoying sunny, warmish winter days. :)