Start Year 2006

The year is off to a good start. To start the record, I will go back to Xmas Day 2005. Scott and Andrew and Wenlin arrived about 1030. We had the traditional opening of presents around the Xmas tree. I think it may be the last real xmas tree we have. The damn thing had just been put up by Ruth and the house decorations finisned and it fell down. She came in and found it lying on the floor and was not pleased. We put it back where it belonged and it seemed quite secure. Some time after its decoration - or re decoration, it fell down again. Operation repeated and guess what, some time later it was down again. This time, I brought in some concrete blocks from outside - like we used to do - and this time it was there to stay. We had a very nice xmas dinner (mid day). Two chickens, boiled potatos and veges. Plum pudding courtesy of Ernest Adams, a Pav baked by Ruth and Brandy snaps. After the meal, Ruth and I left the others and we went to John and Dorothy Martyns, arriving about 1600 hrs. Brian Lill and his wife Noeline were still there. Also present was Dorothy's mother Evelyn White, Dorothy's sister - Lynette and her husband Andrew. John and Dorothys son Bill with his wife Karen. Also J and D's daughter Chrissy with her partner Sean and also Stacy and Ben. I very much enjoyed my chat with Brian. I was surprised to learn that he shared a lot of the views that I have held for over thirty years. We left the Martyns at about 1800hrs and went to the home of Andrea and Peter Sharpe. They were holding a BBQ. We enjoyed a few hours there and it was very pleasant indeed. I was disappointed that Peters father - Brian was not there. I phoned him to get the exact address before we left the Martyns - I could not remember exactly where it was. During our conversation, he told me that he had to be on duty at the Police station (Fire Control) and would miss the event. It was good to see Nerollie and Michael - Andreas parents - and also her sister Felesha and her husband Craig. Also present was her brother Aspin and his little girl. There were a number of others there and I cannot put names to them. Peters mother was there and it was nice to talk to her. I will continue this tomorrow.

New Years Day 2006 03

Andrew and Wenlin again. This is at Taumutu

New Years Day 2006 03

Andrew and Wenlin again. This is at Taumutu

New Years Day 2006 02

Andrew and Wenlin coming up the beach. Ruth in forground

New Years Day 2006

Ruth on the beach at Taumutu. Andrew and Wenlin in background

Xmas-Day-200505

Xmas-Day-200505, originally uploaded by r3032000.

Presents under the Christmas tree

Xmas-Day-200505

Xmas-Day-200505, originally uploaded by r3032000.

Presents under the Christmas tree

Xmas-Day-200505

Xmas-Day-200505, originally uploaded by r3032000.

Presents under the Christmas tree

Xmas 2005

This is Karen Martyn and Noeline Lill

From Queenstown Gardens

We went for a walk through the Queenstown gardens. They are located on the peninsular opposite where the Earnslaw leaves from. This picture was taken while we were walking back to town

View from Inside

This is a view from inside the house. I am not sure if it was our bedroom or the lounge. The views are very much the same.

Kitchen - Queenstown

THis is the kitchen at the house

Andrew and Win Lin

Andrew and Win Lin - On the deck of the house

Parking Sign at Police House

We spent a week there. Ruth and I for most of the time and then Andrew and Win Lin came for the last two days. The driveway to the house is exremely steep and there is a detailed sign inside the garage describing how to enter and exit.

Police House - Queenstown

This is the Police holiday home at Queentown. There are two units on the property. The other unit is above this one. There is an un interruped view of the town and the lake.

Our Group at Queenstown

This is Andrew, Win Lin, Laurie and Ruth at Queenstown.

Queenstown

On the 13th November we left Christchurch for Queenstown We stayed there for a week, leaving on the 20th November. Our accommodation was the Police holiday home off Belfast Terrace. There were two units on the property and we stayed in the lower unit. The units are separate buildings. We had an excellent view over the lake and town. The gondola was to our right with an un interrupted view. We could see the Earnslaw coming and going and what was happening around the town. Andrew and Win Linn came to stay for a few days and they are shown above.

At Mt Cook

This picture was taken in the car park at Mt Cook

A view of the Lake

This is a view of one of the lakes.

Mt Cook (The Peak)

Took many shots to get it but I finally succeeded. We only had a few seconds at a time as it appeared through the cloud.