tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120908632024-03-14T01:16:32.456+13:00Kate and Graeme's NZ AdventureThe whys, hows, whats and wheres of Kate and Graeme's New Zealand adventure.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-27331369073090675392011-01-02T20:05:00.003+13:002011-01-02T20:07:45.321+13:002011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TSAj3ehE0QI/AAAAAAAAAfE/0mt6zG6lxJk/s1600/koru.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TSAj3ehE0QI/AAAAAAAAAfE/0mt6zG6lxJk/s320/koru.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557481376166760706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you much love, happiness and fun for 2011</div><div><br /></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-54753262297867755142010-12-15T09:57:00.005+13:002010-12-15T10:04:57.124+13:00Tis the season<div>About time I posted something on here wouldn't you say?! Especially if you got our Christmas newsletter and decided to pay a visit.</div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TQfakqlb0eI/AAAAAAAAAe4/nhk5QC9_1Aw/s320/wreath%2B1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550645389198873058" /><div><br /></div><div>We are busy getting ready for Christmas. We have family coming to stay and can't wait. It's Lukes first Christmas and while he may not remember it in years to come, we will so we are trying to make it special.</div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TQfakPUIyQI/AAAAAAAAAew/REIoYxmI1yk/s320/candycanes.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550645381878565122" /><div><br /></div><div>The tree is up and decorated. Most of the presents are bought. We are almost there.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TQfajn3-6YI/AAAAAAAAAeo/IIWZOiTDFCA/s1600/xmastreedec.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TQfajn3-6YI/AAAAAAAAAeo/IIWZOiTDFCA/s320/xmastreedec.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550645371291494786" /></a></div><br /><div>Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and I will try to be back very soon :-)</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-68333699950837820722010-11-02T16:44:00.001+13:002010-11-02T16:47:22.202+13:00One year ago today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TM-JcvyN47I/AAAAAAAAAeg/yTSXppXKST8/s1600/wedding+d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TM-JcvyN47I/AAAAAAAAAeg/yTSXppXKST8/s320/wedding+d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534793594018063282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TM-Jcdc6uKI/AAAAAAAAAeY/9Ywd4rSm8mg/s1600/wedding+c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TM-Jcdc6uKI/AAAAAAAAAeY/9Ywd4rSm8mg/s320/wedding+c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534793589096888482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TM-JcWCDsSI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/q_qPYPVgCoA/s1600/wedding+b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TM-JcWCDsSI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/q_qPYPVgCoA/s320/wedding+b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534793587105181986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TM-JcJja-0I/AAAAAAAAAeI/GyCsejWRYxM/s1600/wedding+a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TM-JcJja-0I/AAAAAAAAAeI/GyCsejWRYxM/s320/wedding+a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534793583755459394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Wow, that year went fast!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love you G xxx</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-12891576092014851532010-10-29T11:00:00.000+13:002010-10-29T11:00:27.608+13:0029 @ 29<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TMjzDehuLiI/AAAAAAAAAeA/yTtP5C9VAOk/s1600/blueflower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TMjzDehuLiI/AAAAAAAAAeA/yTtP5C9VAOk/s320/blueflower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532939383284313634" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Paint my toenails</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Scrapbook at least 12 moments of baby’s first year<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Plant sunflower seeds/grow sunflowers<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Eat tiramisu<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Get my hair cut<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>6.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Summarise/scrapbook our first year married<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Read a novel<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>8. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lose 5kg<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>9.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Decide if I’m returning to work or not<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Participate in a Christmas ornament swap<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Write a Christmas newsletter<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>12.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>See Harry Potter 7 (part 1)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>List 29 reasons why I’m a good mother<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blog at least 29 times<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>15.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Email at least 50 photos/videos of baby to family<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finish rainbow crochet blanket<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>17.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Get a nice photo of all 3 of us (plus maybe the dog)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>18.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Take baby swimming<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>19.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Send 10 postcards or letters (with photos of baby maybe)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>20. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buy at least 10 bunches of flowers<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Try 10 new recipes<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>22.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Create a photo wall (in the dining room?)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>23.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Make bunting for baby’s bedroom<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Have a picnic or tea party<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>25.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Find ways to celebrate each season<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>26.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Give away at least 29 things<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Try to take at least 1 photo every day<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>28.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Write my birth story<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Symbol"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>29.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Have 12 ‘dates’ with my husband<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">You can see my <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2009/11/28-things-aged-28.html">28 things list here</a> and my <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2008/11/list.html">27 things list here</a>.</p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-12307172457032966422010-10-28T16:17:00.007+13:002010-10-28T16:41:16.116+13:00Review of 28 things aged 28<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TMjrdXErHDI/AAAAAAAAAd4/GOc8w6kkKoY/s1600/rainbow+whirl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TMjrdXErHDI/AAAAAAAAAd4/GOc8w6kkKoY/s320/rainbow+whirl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532931031867006002" /></a><br /><div>You can view the 28 things list <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2009/11/28-things-aged-28.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have tried a couple of times to colour code it so it's easy to see what's complete, what was started and what wasn't done but for some reason it won't publish it.</div><div><br /></div><div>At first glance the 28 things list could be considered an epic fail.</div><div>I completed 8 items.</div><div>But to be honest, I am pleased with what I achieved. </div><div>Not only did I complete those 8 items, I also made some progress with another 17 items even though I didn't finish them.</div><div>Only 3 items weren't started or completed and 2 of those were because I was pregnant and didn't want to do them for safety reasons (ride a horse and play badminton).</div><div><br /></div><div>And let's not forget that in this last year I have achieved something pretty amazing. I got pregnant, grew a strong, healthy baby and then delivered him into this world (without any drug relief I might add).</div><div><br /></div><div>Some things are more important than a list I drew up 13 months ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>I realised pretty early on that I had made the list 'too much' - it wasn't a list of 28 things at all - most items had a bigger task than doing just one thing. It was do 28 of this or list 100 of that. I made it too hard.</div><div>Even if I hadn't been pregnant/a new mother for the whole year I think I would have struggled completing more items.</div><div>So I have made a 29 list but it's a fair bit simpler than last years. I'll try and share it with you over the next few days.</div><div><br /></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-91582426790513941342010-09-27T16:19:00.004+13:002010-09-27T16:23:23.807+13:00Keeping Busy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TKANSpVy9wI/AAAAAAAAAdk/eyPeTqM2i-E/s1600/6+weeks+c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TKANSpVy9wI/AAAAAAAAAdk/eyPeTqM2i-E/s320/6+weeks+c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521427757142308610" /></a><br /><div>Our beautiful baby boy was born on Tuesday 10th August at 12.40pm. </div><div>We have been very busy between then and now getting to know him and learning how to be parents.</div><div>Hopefully at some point in the future I might be able to blog with a little more regularity but at the moment it's going to be very hit and miss.</div><div>So while you wait for some regular posts I decided to leave the cutest photo ever in this post :-)</div><div><br /></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-50405039259965094192010-07-31T14:29:00.003+12:002010-07-31T14:40:20.673+12:00Long time, no post<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TFOMvPd1OYI/AAAAAAAAAdU/T0nSS0rdnS0/s1600/blog+ashhurst.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TFOMvPd1OYI/AAAAAAAAAdU/T0nSS0rdnS0/s320/blog+ashhurst.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499894313182902658" /></a><br />Wow - is it really the last day in July today? Am I really supposed to be having a baby in the next month? Eek! Seriously, where has the time gone?<div>My last day at work came and went and I thought about posting about my finishing work feelings. </div><div>We lost Graeme's Grandpa and I couldn't get the right words down to explain that.</div><div>And now I am 3 weeks into my maternity leave, baby's official due date is in 9 days time, we have a cot and a buggy (finally!) and I'm very much aware that there won't be too many moments to sit and think about putting words together soon.</div><div>I really can't wait to meet our new little person. I admit to being a little apprehensive about his journey into the world but knowing I will get to meet this little bundle that's been keeping me company with his little kicks and fidgets at the end of it makes me realise that it's going to be worth it.</div><div>I wonder what baby will be like? I think it goes without saying he's going to be gorgeous! How could he not be? What will he be when he grows up? When is he going to arrive?</div><div>There's so many thoughts and worries and questions at the moment but I have surprised myself and feel much calmer than I thought I would at this time. Maybe it's the hormones or some maternal instinct but there's part of me that just knows baby will be here when he's ready and we will do the very best we can for him when he gets here. </div><div>And until then I will do my best to put my feet up and rest up ready for being on round the clock duty when he does make his appearance!</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-52364847323647591802010-06-12T16:30:00.004+12:002010-06-12T16:49:02.478+12:00JuneWow, June. How did we get here? Time is flying by and I honestly don't know where it went!<br /><br />We have been busy getting ready for the arrival of baby and have now chosen most of the big items we want (cot, buggy, carseat etc) and either have them here or they are on order (fingers crossed they arrive before baby does!). We've also been attending antenatal classes and only have 2 left to go. We've already done the tour of the hospital and have a box of nappies ready to go so we are almost prepared!<br /><br />I've found I've really had to slow down lately and am often tucked up in bed at 9 or 9.30pm most nights (what a nana!). Undisturbed nights are well and truly in the past and I'm often awake a few times in the night trying to get comfy. I'm trying to see the good side of this - it's getting me ready for being up and down in the night with baby!<br /><br />I'm also feeling a little less creative and full of ideas lately. I think my brain is busy focusing on baby related things and everything else has gone out the window.<br /><br />I've been notoriously bad at taking photos and without photos I don't have much fodder for blog posts. I've had a look at what's on the camera today and then headed out into the garden in the rain to get some photos to share so I could finally update the blog. All flowers today - some brightness and prettiness to take away the winter blues.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TBMN5YWqr5I/AAAAAAAAAdM/VndoH5c5sII/s1600/IMG_5058.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481740450881253266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TBMN5YWqr5I/AAAAAAAAAdM/VndoH5c5sII/s320/IMG_5058.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TBMN49PF0UI/AAAAAAAAAdE/mh21B4xtYvM/s1600/IMG_5051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481740443601719618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TBMN49PF0UI/AAAAAAAAAdE/mh21B4xtYvM/s320/IMG_5051.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TBMN4UHCQTI/AAAAAAAAAc8/ORXpSGPJC30/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481740432562078002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/TBMN4UHCQTI/AAAAAAAAAc8/ORXpSGPJC30/s320/IMG_5046.JPG" /></a></div><div>It's been quite cold here some days and the fire is on most nights these days. I've taken to lighting candles and putting the fairy lights on to make the most of the darker nights with some twinkles!</div><div>I still struggle with the turnabout of the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere and it's weird to think Graeme will be celebrating his birthday next weekend in winter. I still have to buy his presents and am currently deciding whether or not to bake him a birthday cake, birthday muffins or birthday cupcakes...in fact I might go and have a peek through my reciep books just now to get some ideas.</div><div> </div><div>And I'll promise to try and leave less time between posts next time :-)<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-31228872851651716912010-04-25T18:33:00.003+12:002010-04-25T18:40:28.287+12:00Autumn skies<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S9PjUKUXmeI/AAAAAAAAAc0/qaZIvKQOGl8/s1600/IMG_5014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463960708437219810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S9PjUKUXmeI/AAAAAAAAAc0/qaZIvKQOGl8/s320/IMG_5014.JPG" /></a> I've been snapping away photos of Autumn colours as I've seen them the last couple of weeks. Capturing the leaves on the trees changing colour. I love autmnal colours. I'm sure it comes with being an Autumn baby. I hope to share some of the pictures once I've got a few more.<br />Tonight though it was the sky that caught my eye. What beautiful colours and looking very much like autumnal colours. Enjoy :-)<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S9PjNRXzMNI/AAAAAAAAAck/hUf1b0go6Rw/s1600/IMG_5007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463960590071574738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S9PjNRXzMNI/AAAAAAAAAck/hUf1b0go6Rw/s320/IMG_5007.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-37563087148162440212010-04-17T17:50:00.005+12:002010-04-25T18:32:47.376+12:00The Coromandel (our honeymoon)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S8lT9S42ddI/AAAAAAAAAcc/T31V421B9bY/s1600/Coromandel+Mosaic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460988335670851026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S8lT9S42ddI/AAAAAAAAAcc/T31V421B9bY/s320/Coromandel+Mosaic.jpg" /></a>We had always planned to have a honeymoon once all our guests went home. It seemed silly to ride off into the sunset while they were all still here so we spent as much time with them as we could while they were here and planned for a honeymoon a little further down the track.<br />There were many ideas flung around for where we could go for our honeymoon but in the end we decided to stay here in New Zealand and have a new adventure in a part we'd never been to before.<br /><br />So we packed up our car and headed to the <a href="http://www.thecoromandel.com/">Coromandel Peninsula</a>. It's a long drive so we stopped overnight in Taupo on the way. We went the week leading up to Easter which turned out to be a genius idea because the roads weren't yet full of Easter holiday traffic.<br /><br />We stayed 3 nights at the <a href="http://www.crowsnestwhitianga.co.nz/">Crows Nests Apartments</a> in <a href="http://www.whitianga.co.nz/">Whitianga</a>. It was beautiful. The start of Autumn so not particularly warm and in fact it rained a bit - but it was still lovely. We strolled around the town, took the wee ferry to the 'other side' and explored over there and drove a bit further afield to see what was nearby.<br />We particularly enjoyed <a href="http://mercurybay.co.nz/activities/hotwaterbeach.php">Hot Water Beach</a> It was a little like Disneyland in that it was full of tourists. There's hot water springs under the beach so at low tide the place is swarming with people with spades of all shapes and sizes, digging holes, looking for the hot water. On this particular day it was raining quite heavily so everyone had waterproofs and jumpers on over their swimmies. As soon as warm water was struck - off came all the outerwear and everyone swarmed into the hot water pool. Very strange but lots of fun!<br />We also attempted the walk to Cathedral Cove but some parts of the path were slippy and steep and given I was 21 weeks pregnant at the time we decided not to take any chances once I'd lost my footing once!<br /><br />All in all, a lovely, relaxing time away. Unfortunately it seems a long time ago now (isn't it always the way just a couple of weeks after you return from holiday!) but will be a lovely time to remember in years to come.<br /><br /><img class="gl_photo" border="0" alt="Add Image" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-62016676997196356652010-04-02T11:42:00.003+13:002010-04-02T11:53:16.727+13:00Raspberry and White Chocolate MuffinsOne of my favourite muffin flavours is raspberry and white chocolate muffins but I've only ever bought them from cafes. After eating a particularly nice one whilst on holiday (more on that later!) I declared to Graeme that I would attempt baking my own version. Graeme found me a recipe online which I adapted slightly out of sheer laziness and for quicker mixing times!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455303799830010530" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S7Uh5wq02qI/AAAAAAAAAcU/Pkr762h_P4g/s320/blog+muffin.JPG" /><br />Here goes....<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><ul><li>2 1/2 cups self raising flour</li><li>100g butter</li><li>1 cup caster sugar</li><li>1 cup milk</li><li>1 egg (lightly beaten)</li><li>1 cup raspberries (frozen or fresh)</li><li>1/2 cup white chocolate bits</li><li>Icing sugar (for dusting)</li></ul><p>Method:</p><ol><li>Preheat oven to 190degrees (I have a fan oven so set it at approx. 170degrees)</li><li>Lightly grease muffin tins (I use silicon trays so spray them lightly with spray oil)</li><li>Add the flour and sugar to the bowl and mix</li><li>Melt the butter in the micowave (for approx. 40 seconds if the butter is chopped) and pour into the dry mix</li><li>Add the milk, the egg, raspberries (straight out the freezer) and white chocolate bits</li><li>Give it all a stir until mixture is just moistened (don't mix until completely smooth)</li><li>Spoon into muffin cups</li><li>Bake for 20 mins (I checked them after 15 and they definitely needed the extra 5)</li><li>Stand for 5 minutes and then turn onto a wire rack to cool</li><li>Dust with icing sugar</li><li>Eat and enjoy :-)</li></ol><p>The original recipe suggested rubbing in the butter to the flour but that seemed like too much effort to me and they came out fine with melted butter instead.</p><p>They are truly delicious and were particularly tasty warm.</p><p>This recipe makes 12 (large-ish) muffins.</p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-16909771518419626092010-03-10T20:24:00.007+13:002010-03-10T20:41:03.159+13:00CrochetI'm wondering if this post falls under the "NZ adventure" theme of this blog but hey I'm excited about it! <div><br /></div><div></div><div>Ever since finding the <a href="http://www.attic24.typepad.com/">Attic24 blog</a> I've been wanting to have a go at crochet. Which is how I ended up adding 'Crochet Something' to my <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2009/11/28-things-aged-28.html">http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2009/11/28-things-aged-28.html</a>.</div><div>My friend Laura was a crocheter and showed me the basic stitches last winter but after September last year things got very busy and my new-and-still-shiny crochet hook was cast aside.</div><div>Now, unfortunately for me (but fortunately for South Africa where she is volunteering as a teacher) Laura doesn't live round the corner any more to mentor me in my new crochet hobby.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>The great thing is though that there's heaps of inspiration and help on the internet. Along with the Attic24 blog there is another blog I've found very useful now I've decided to pick up my hook again. The blog is <a href="http://www.littletinbird.co.uk/">Little Tin Bird</a> and Heather who writes the blog recently <a href="http://www.littletinbird.co.uk/?page_id=403">posted a pattern for granny squares</a>. At the weekend I had my first try at granny squares using Heather's pattern. Here's my first attempt...</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446904672664367154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S5dK8NuTMDI/AAAAAAAAAcE/UWYyzUABNf0/s320/IMG_4702.JPG" /><br />And of course - once I got started I had to try a couple more....<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446904676126399458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S5dK8antm-I/AAAAAAAAAcM/d9UDTaK0ViQ/s320/IMG_4703.JPG" /></div><br /><p>Aren't they gorgeous! They are made with cheap wool I'd bought ages ago to practice with so I doubt they will amount to anything other than being my first attempts!</p><p>The plan from here though is to buy some lovely soft colourful wool and make lots of granny sqaures and turn them into a baby blanket! We'll see if I get that far before August but I figure it's a good hobby for sitting down and making myself rest when everyone starts telling me too. If I make any progress I will keep you posted!</p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-4662855464099312612010-02-27T13:09:00.005+13:002010-02-27T13:43:04.940+13:00Favourite Things<div><div><div>Well I did kinda manage more than one post in a week given my last post was Monday and today is Saturday. I'd hoped to post earlier but it's been a bit of a rough couple of days. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>My allergies have free rein because I'm not taking any medication due to being pregnant and they are slowly getting worse and worse. </div><div>On Thursday night I think I managed 2 hours sleep and spent quite a few hours worrying about how difficult it was to breath and trying not to wake Graeme with all the sneezing and coughing. We went to the pharmacy on Friday first thing to see if they had any suggestions and I was sent straight to the doctor. </div><div>It turns out I have developed asthma - probably as a result of being all blocked up from the allergies. </div><div>I found this quite alarming but after speaking with the nurse and a colleague it turns out it can be quite common and normally only lasts the length of the pregnancy. Weird huh? </div><div>So now I have an inhaler which I am to take every 4 hours when I'm awake. </div><div>And I'm still sneezing and coughing with annoying regularity.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>So to stop myself feeling too sorry for myself I want to focus on some happy, cheerful things. The camera has been quite neglected over the last few months but this week I've been taking a few snaps here and there and thought I'd share some of my current favourite things...</div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>1) homemade nachos...tortilla chips with salsa and cheese (melted) and then a big dollop of sour cream on the top. I have a feeling baby will come out with a taste for nachos after the amount of these that I have been eating lately. And it's a very quick and easy to prepare meal too!</div><div><br /> </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnaZtW_wI/AAAAAAAAAb8/e5RliW_A1sA/s1600-h/blog+fav+nachos.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442713852952641282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnaZtW_wI/AAAAAAAAAb8/e5RliW_A1sA/s320/blog+fav+nachos.JPG" /></a> </div><div>2) non-alcoholic Malibu flavoured chocolate (which my wonderful husband spotted in the supermarket)...lovely for a nibble every now and again. I also picked up Baileys flavour but haven't tried that yet.</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnZ1REoSI/AAAAAAAAAb0/iNB7RG3haI4/s1600-h/blog+fav+chocolate.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442713843170320674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnZ1REoSI/AAAAAAAAAb0/iNB7RG3haI4/s320/blog+fav+chocolate.JPG" /></a> </div><div>3) this <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2008/10/carrot-cake.html">carrot cake recipe</a> which I printed ages ago and got around to trying last weekend. No yucky sultanas or cream cheese topping in site. It wasn't as carroty as I would have liked but I put this down to me using very small carrots. Will try chunkier ones next time.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnZpcbRfI/AAAAAAAAAbs/slqmw7FLJ4I/s1600-h/blog+fav+carrotcake.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442713839996716530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnZpcbRfI/AAAAAAAAAbs/slqmw7FLJ4I/s320/blog+fav+carrotcake.JPG" /></a><br />4) which leads on nicely to my favourite blog (where the above recipe came from) - lots of colour and inspiration and cheerfulness. It's made me want to have fresh flowers in the house all the time and try my hand at crochet!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnZMMeNiI/AAAAAAAAAbk/XT-nbePCLi4/s1600-h/blog+fav+blog.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442713832145172002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnZMMeNiI/AAAAAAAAAbk/XT-nbePCLi4/s320/blog+fav+blog.jpg" /></a><br />5) beach-hut napkins, half price and I used a wedding gift vouchers (we bought other kitchen-ey stuff too but these are my favourites). I love beach huts and beachey scenes and may try my hand at getting this image <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5576803_decoupage-paper-napkins-canvas.html">onto a canvas<br /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnYgyJHNI/AAAAAAAAAbc/4wdzui7C91M/s1600-h/blog+fav+beachhuts.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442713820492012754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4hnYgyJHNI/AAAAAAAAAbc/4wdzui7C91M/s320/blog+fav+beachhuts.JPG" /></a><br />So there you have it - a few things to make me smile. I must remember to keep the camera handy and keep snapping as part of my <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2009/11/28-things-aged-28.html">28 things list </a>is to capture the seasons and document and summer is almost at an end.<br /></div></div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-18920688015948582762010-02-22T20:08:00.003+13:002010-02-22T20:18:14.795+13:00Garden HelperI've not been much help at all in the garden lately. It's too hot, I get sleepy really quickly and I can't lift anything heavy!<br /><br /><br />But the good news is that G has another helper whose always keen to assist in anyway he can...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440962592211281618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S4IupnDxJtI/AAAAAAAAAas/tgbIuuazMc0/s320/blog+dog+garden1.JPG" /><br /><br /><p>There's also a video but I can't for the life of me get the embed code to copy across properly. Here's the link if you want to have a look... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL9FL-0jCaY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL9FL-0jCaY</a></p><p>So as Graeme trims the branches from the trees, Rhett pulls them across the lawn and shakes them (I think it might be to make sure they are dead?!) and then the branches are pulled to bits until he finds a nice chewy bit to sit and chew...for hours.</p><p>It sure helps us fit the debris in the green waste wheelie bin but makes a mess of the lawn!</p><p>I think he might be a bigger help than I've ever been!</p><p><em>I might be trying something new this week - more regular posts - I have a recipe to share and some general chit-chat so I'll try and post at least once more this week.</em><br /></p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-27838952092215226872010-02-12T21:09:00.002+13:002010-02-12T21:17:08.774+13:00News<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S3UMx8ZBtsI/AAAAAAAAAak/e9a1SYmjH4k/s1600-h/Bubs+cropped.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437266177283962562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S3UMx8ZBtsI/AAAAAAAAAak/e9a1SYmjH4k/s320/Bubs+cropped.jpg" /></a> I'm not sure this will be new news to anyone as the phone lines, skype sessions, facebook status' and tweets have been a buzz this last week or so....<br />But it is, after all, the next stage of our NZ adventure so I will share it here.<br />Bubs is due on 9th August. We had a scan at the start of this month and all seems well.<br />Other than extreme tiredness, unpleasant nausea and a ridiculously sensitive nose I've been keeping pretty well.<br />We are very excited and of course, a wee bit apprehensive about what changes this will bring...but we can't wait to meet Bubs :-)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-40666657013073491812010-01-25T21:25:00.007+13:002010-01-25T21:46:29.268+13:00Big Day OutOn Thursday 14th January we finished work a little early, packed a bag and headed up to Taupo to stay the night. We stayed in <a href="http://www.cabooselodge.co.nz/">a hotel </a>on the lakefront and ate dinner watching the sunset. It was lovely. The hotel was safari themed and unlike anywhere I've stayed before.<br /><br /><br />On the Friday morning we left Taupo and carried on up State Highway 1 to Auckland where we were attending the <a href="http://www.bigdayout.com/auckland.php">Big Day Out</a>. We were lucky enough to be able to check into our <a href="http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-3060-novotel-auckland-ellerslie/index.shtml">Auckland hotel </a>a little early (another strange room - this time because it had a 'capsule/pod' like bathroom - very strange!) and leave the car behind before training to Mount Smart Stadium.<br /><br /><br />It was packed and a little overwhelming on arrival. Too many people, too hot and too much to look at. So we grabbed an ice lolly and found a seat in the shade and took part in some people watching. It was such a mix of people - all ages and all kinds. We stayed pretty close to the main area which held the orange and blue stages but moved seats a few times depending on what was going on.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430593963986739986" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S11YcA7PYxI/AAAAAAAAAaU/j1M91dfcqgI/s320/Blog+BDO+1.jpg" /><br /><br />My top 3 acts were:<br /><br />No 1. <a href="http://muse.mu/">Muse</a> (how could it be anyone else!) They were amazing. Lasers and big screens and guitar playing acrobatics. What's not to like?!<br /><br />No 2. Dizzee Rascal - I'm a little surprised by this as was expecting to like him but not necessarily love him but he really got the crowd going and Bonkers was amazing!<br /><br />No 3. Lily Allen - unfortunately not as good as I'd hoped and the sound seemed a bit off but she was still worth a watch and got the crowd going with a couple of her more daring songs!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430593972270308834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S11YcfyMneI/AAAAAAAAAac/3ghEZ8lLWi4/s320/blog+BDO+2.jpg" /><br /><br />So a good time was had by all. I was exhausted by the end of it. Between the 3 hour drive from Taupo and a hot day and lots of music and clapping and singing I was ready for my bed by the time Muse were done. We had to get the train back to the hotel which was surprisingly easier than I had anticipated and we ended up back in our room just after midnight.<br /><br />The next day we drove back to Palmy stopping in Hamilton to catch up with <a href="http://wellreadkitty.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> and Michael on the way. The weather on the Desert Road was shocking (very heavy rain and low visibiloty) but we eventually got home about 8.30pm. Needless to say we didn't do much at all on Sunday over than sleep and pick up the dog from the kennels :-)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-23157314330460587892010-01-10T21:30:00.005+13:002010-01-10T22:03:10.202+13:00Sunday Strolling<div><div><div>It is past time for a new post methinks. The trouble is that the <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2010/01/noughties-2000-2009.html">last one</a> was so epic that I'm not sure how to match it. So I won't even try! Instead I will talk about this weekend and what we've been up to. Very mundane and ordinary but a nice way to document normal life.</div><div> </div><div>Yesterday I started off with a little baking after a lazy start. I made chocolate chip cookies which were delicious and then had a go at making Quiche which made a yummy lunch.</div><div>In the afternoon Graeme headed down to Wellington with some soccer team mates to watch the Phoenix Game so I had a few hours laid out before me with no real plans. After dropping him off at the other side of town I decided to do a little bit of shopping on the way home. And I found these beautiful socks! Two pairs but I wore one of each for photo taking! Aren't they cute? I also bought some colourful bowls for the kitchen and some craft supplies amongst other things.</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425027233994589266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S0mRhrsRRFI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/hit11rXrouc/s320/socks.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>And then I didn't really do much at all. Read some <a href="http://www.attic24.typepad.com/">inspiring creative blogs</a>, had a bubble bath and read some magazines. The time flew by really and I couldn't quite believe half the weekend had been and gone already.</div><div> </div><div>Today started with a lazy morning and my normal Sunday morning chat with my Mum. </div><div>The sky was looking grey and the forecast was for rain but I had a desire to be outside even if it meant being rained on. So we loaded the dog in the car and headed over to Ashhurst. The weather held out and it was a lovely relaxing walk.</div><div>We walked through the woods and along the gravel road and through the fields and up the steepest hill ever and finished at the cafe for refreshments. The good thing about Ashurst Domain is that a lot of the fields and paths are sectioned so we can let the dog off the lead for a run knowing he can only go so far.</div><div>One of the usual sectioned parts had some unexpected inhabitants this time. It was full of baby cows! They were gorgeous. We were a little worried about the dog with them as he had never been so close so he was kept on a tight lead and was very well behaved. The cows tended to move out of his way but as I brought up the back slowly, taking pictures as I went, they were more interested in me! This one (below) actually got so close to lick my bag and hand!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425027249833766898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S0mRimsn7_I/AAAAAAAAAaM/VfJPq-Rbhnw/s320/blog+cow.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>And this is the view from the top after the steeeeeep hill. For those of you that have been to this part of the world - this is actually the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manawatu_Gorge">Manawatu Gorge</a> in the background. A very windy stretch of road that can be hair-raising to drive!</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425027241972751058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S0mRiJaaWtI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/UM2hoZyuDtk/s320/blog+gorge.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>When we got home we were all feeling rather tired about our stroll in the fresh air so we've had a rather easy-going afternoon. The Lord of the Rings trilogy has been playing on TV so we've had that on in the background between grocery shopping, folding washing and dinner preparations.</div><div> </div><div>And now, it's soon to be tidy up and bed time. The end of another weekend. It's a shame. I enjoy being at home with my boys and pottering around. I'm feeling tired just thinking about getting up at a respectable time and going to work. But we have to keep the dog in food somehow :-)</div><div> </div><div>It's nice to keep note of what we've been doing though. It will be interesting to look back on in time to come I imagine to see how things have changed.</div><div> </div><div>And one more picture to show you. This isn't a project from this weekend but I did get around to photographing it yesterday so wanted to show it off. I am far too lazy to do this kind of work in the hot summer sun. This is the work of my lovely husband - last weekend. The mulch on the beds kept coming down to the grass and you couldn't see where one started and one finished. It made cutting the grass a little difficult. So we bought the edging and Graeme spent a few hours fitting it around the curves of our back flowerbed. I love it - think it's a nice finishing touch for the garden and makes the lawn look even better when it's freshly mowed!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425027244579672386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/S0mRiTH80UI/AAAAAAAAAaE/gXXCGz-e34A/s320/blog+edge.JPG" /><br />And that's me for now. I seem to have got my photo taking inspiration back after a couple of months off so I am hoping I can keep taking photos to share on the blog. See you soon.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-31313278784374446782010-01-01T20:27:00.005+13:002010-01-01T20:57:22.271+13:00The Noughties : : 2000-2009<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2qJYeCAlI/AAAAAAAAAZs/dqIvfK-pOpU/s1600-h/blog+2009b.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421676604587901522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2qJYeCAlI/AAAAAAAAAZs/dqIvfK-pOpU/s200/blog+2009b.bmp" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div>Wow, end of the decade. This, like the end of the year, snuck up on me somewhat. I’m not sure where these last few days have gone following Christmas and thinking about it that could be said for this last year and the decade as a whole. It’s sped by. I really can’t believe that this time 10 years ago me and my friend Lou were in Scotland to celebrate Millennium Hogmanay and I met the guy that finally, this year, became my husband.<br /><br />I started this list the other day and today I found all my old diaries and combed through them to get the right dates for some things and make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. It’s made me really nostalgic. I’m very lucky to have some lovely friends and family and I miss those that aren’t near me every single day. I never would have imagined in 1999 that I would be where I am now but I’m glad I’m here. It’s been up and down all the way but an amazing decade.<br /><br />I wonder what the next one will bring?! </div><div><br /> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421673687709502082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2nfmQByoI/AAAAAAAAAYk/9awiDvOwq6I/s200/blog+2000b.bmp" /><br />2000 : : 8 months of a long distance relationship, completed my A levels, moved to Scotland, started full time employment, almost got snowed in over Christmas </div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 137px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421673685218284754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2nfc-E1NI/AAAAAAAAAYc/Imm1_jMuoXc/s200/blog+2000a.bmp" /><br />2001 : : Bought a car, bought our flat in Glasgow and got settled in, had a road trip from Scotland to Essex for a seaside holiday with the family<br /><br />2002 : : Went to Crete - Greece, got a new job, went to the gym regularly, my Nan died<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421673692846293042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2nf5YvADI/AAAAAAAAAYs/VDAwzIkiXEM/s200/blog+2003a.bmp" /><br />2003 : : Went to Gibraltar, got Dave the hamster, went for a lovely break to the Lake District, took a web design course </div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421673698745180466" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2ngPXI4TI/AAAAAAAAAY0/HrDNzcn7zyE/s200/blog+2004a.bmp" /><br />2004 : : Went camping in Inverarry, went to Zante - Greece, got engaged, went to Alton Towers, started book reviewing, played alot of badminton, planned our travel to New Zealand</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421673705708481538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2ngpTUbAI/AAAAAAAAAY8/SiGNaizjo8s/s200/blog+2004b.bmp" /><br />2005 : : Sold the flat, car and most of our belongings, gave up our jobs, had an amazing leaving party, arrived in New Zealand end of June, travelled round for 5 weeks, settled in Palmerston North, bought a car, went to Brisbane, Australia to see the rellies, my Dad came to stay for Christmas</div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421675206370308306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2o3_s-sNI/AAAAAAAAAZE/fGnH0lOBnoY/s200/blog+2005a.bmp" /></div><div> </div><div>2006 : : Got permanent residency in NZ, took a Freelance Journalism course, got a permanent job, Len – my Nan’s partner died, bought our house, got the puppy, started scrapbooking, Mum came for her first NZ visit, Dad came for Christmas </div><div><br /> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421675207706488162" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2o4ErjLWI/AAAAAAAAAZM/f8zB_aq5lnE/s200/blog+2006a.bmp" /><br />2007 : : Started my new job, went to Melbourne to go to the Grand Prix, wrote a novel, got chicken pox, got Graeme on a horse, went to the UK for Christmas<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421675211608955938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2o4TN-HCI/AAAAAAAAAZU/C4jR9zFbNVo/s200/blog+2007a.bmp" /><br />2008 : : Celebrated Hogmanay in Glasgow and then went to Italy, Hong Kong and Thailand, got indefinite returning residents visas, Graeme started his current job, went to Brisbane to visit the rellies, booked the wedding </p><p><br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421675218495416514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2o4s31KMI/AAAAAAAAAZc/FaJoKiClSKs/s200/blog+2008a.bmp" /><br />2009 : : Had a trip back to the UK to escape NZ winter, Graeme’s Gran died, finally got married</p><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421675220473093298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Sz2o40PWHLI/AAAAAAAAAZk/yEWsLCpf5KY/s200/blog+2009.bmp" /><br /></p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-28734677717013778622009-12-31T17:09:00.005+13:002009-12-31T17:29:33.888+13:002009 Ta Da List<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Szwlz0C4BjI/AAAAAAAAAYU/qLHKcO1xCZg/s1600-h/blog+heart.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421249623521494578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/Szwlz0C4BjI/AAAAAAAAAYU/qLHKcO1xCZg/s400/blog+heart.jpg" /></a> Previous lists can be found here: <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2008/12/2008-ta-da-list.html">2008</a> <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2008/01/2007-ta-da-list.html">2007</a> <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2007/01/2006-ta-da-list.html">2006</a> <div></div><div>In 2009 I:</div><ul><li>Finally <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katieinnz/sets/72157622606789289/">got married </a></li><li>Visited Ireland, specifically Dublin, for the first time </li><li>Got a promotion at work </li><li>Saw the All Blacks play France </li><li>Met <a href="http://www.3news.co.nz/campbelllive">John Campbell </a></li><li>Saw Kings of Leon live in Wellington </li><li>Saw Billy Connelly again (the 1st time was 2005 in Glasgow) </li><li>Decorated the lounge and dining room </li><li>Planned the wedding </li><li>Visited friends and family in the UK </li><li>Ate <a href="http://www.rossiicecream.com/">Rossi’s ice-cream </a>at Southend seafront </li><li>Conquered all the scary rides at <a href="http://www.chessington.com/">Chessington World of Adventures</a> </li><li>Finally got engagement photos taken </li><li>Got a spray tan (without looking orange) </li><li>Grew my hair the longest it’s ever been </li><li>Visited <a href="http://www.hukafalls.com/">Huka Falls</a> and Craters of the Moon </li><li>Found a scrummy pancake recipe (thanks <a href="http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/desserts/pancakes/basic-pancakes-with-sugar-and-lemon.html">Delia</a>) </li><li>Learnt to Crochet (Thanks Laura! I still need heaps of practice though) </li><li>Bought and used a bread-maker </li><li>Discovered <a href="http://bighugelabs.com/mosaic.php">Big Huge Labs Mosaic Maker </a></li><li>Took lots of photos from planes </li><li>Baked muffins, cakes, biscuits and savouries that tasted good </li><li>Kept a holiday journal </li><li>Had my photo taken with a bagpiper (and Graeme’s 2 cousins!) </li><li>Went through the Clyde Tunnel holding my breath the whole way </li><li>Visited the <a href="http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Index.aspx">Guinness Storehouse</a> and had a diet coke in the Gravity Bar </li><li><a href="http://www.shimelle.com/classes/607/learn-something-new-finished-scrapbooks/">Learnt Something New every day in September </a>and scrapped it </li><li>Bought the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katieinnz/3846204039/in/set-72157610409357357/">prettiest, sparkliest shoes </a>that receive attention wherever they go </li><li>Visited Kelly and Michael and went to <a href="http://www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz/index.asp">Hamilton Zoo </a></li><li>Assisted at my first ever Kiwi Sausage Sizzle </li><li>Removed all the sequins from my wedding dress so it could be dry-cleaned (thanks Mum. Now I just need to find someone to sew them back on!) </li><li>Completed 22 of my 27 things to do aged 27 list and wrote my 28 @ 28 list </li><li>Took 3814 photos (a bit more than that actually because I deleted the really blurry ones as I went along) </li></ul><p>And it was taking all those photos that helped me write this list! Without going through my monthly photos I would never have managed to get this list as long as it is. So there you have it.</p><p>Bring on 2010 and all the Ta Da's that will come with it :-)</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421249372588853522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/SzwllNP3yRI/AAAAAAAAAYM/QTgoh0PjGVM/s400/blog+skytree.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-85929687798371119262009-12-27T11:08:00.001+13:002009-12-27T11:08:34.037+13:00Blogging from the iPhoneWow, look at me getting all technological and blogging from graemes iPhone. Shame I forgot to put a capital G for Graemes name and don't know how to go back to it without deleting the whole word though.<br />Not worked out how to add photos yet, that will be my next challenge!<br />Today I think we are heading to the movies. We are deciding between The Lovely Bones and Sherlock Holmes. Graeme is more keen to see Sherlock and I don't think I'll argue - who can resist Jude Law! <br />Well I better post this and give Graeme his phone back before he gets withdrawal symptoms!<br />Back soon and hopefully with photos! Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-91895264317176762462009-12-26T20:56:00.004+13:002009-12-26T21:06:00.416+13:00Muddly<div>No not muddy, MUDDLY. Which is how I'm feeling at the moment. Got lots of things whizzing around in my head and no focus to get any of them done.</div><div>I think it's end of year-itis. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything I want to get finished before 2010. And when Kate feels overwhelmed she does nothing. Not good.</div><div></div><br /><div>For example, I thought I'd make a start on my 2009 Ta Da list and couldn't get past Number 3. Now I'm positive I've achieved more than 3 things this year (and yes I did remember 'getting married' - that's number 1!). But I can't for the life of me remember how I've completed the previous 3 years lists (which I'll link to when I get the 2009 list completed). I think it will be a pouring over of the calendar and diary and blog posts and see how far I get.</div><div></div><br /><div>Boxing Day is always a strange day. A bit of a comedown I suppose after the big day. We've kept it fairly low-key really. We did brave the Plaza which I didn't think was possible. It wasn't actually too bad - probably helped by the fact we went at 4.30pm when everyone else was laden with bags and heading back to their cars. I didn't get much but my husband bought an iPhone. I would be jealous but he's promised to let me play with it too. Who knows - maybe my next blog post will be from the iPhone.</div><br /><div></div><div>So I will head back to my muddly-ness and leave you with a picture of our forever puppy - isn't he gorgeous?!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419452821936734034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/SzXDoMiG_1I/AAAAAAAAAX8/alNj8XWnD14/s400/pupster.JPG" /><br /><div>And yes, I hope to be back in a day or two with a Ta Da list.</div><br /><div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-69958914151221057222009-12-25T12:39:00.003+13:002009-12-25T12:42:08.638+13:00Merry Christmas<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418951958594106482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/SzP8GHLotHI/AAAAAAAAAX0/ft5NiAaBfck/s400/doggifts.JPG" /><br /><div>Wishing you all a wonderfully festive Christmas wherever you may be.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 362px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418951839228182226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/SzP7_KglPtI/AAAAAAAAAXs/GZk1XV4A4ds/s400/candycane+flower.JPG" /><br /><div></div><div>Love and slabbers,</div><div>from </div><br /><div>K, G & R</div><br /><div>xxxxxx</div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-71342119481562256622009-12-13T17:44:00.004+13:002009-12-13T17:47:48.177+13:00Feeling a little festive<div>The christmas box has come out of the cupboard...</div><div>the decorations have been unpacked...</div><div>the twigs have come out the garage and been de-spidered...</div><div>and the christmas candles have been lit...</div><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414577810525855026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYDNWMbOagE/SyRx1L0bHTI/AAAAAAAAAXk/4Z4Lvfev_l0/s400/IMG_4405.JPG" /><br /><div></div><div>Things are starting to look a little like Christmas around here.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-91199756565247609192009-12-04T20:59:00.004+13:002009-12-04T21:17:38.464+13:00December already!Not quite sure how it happened but it's December already. Christmas Day in 3 weeks time. Wow. Where did this year go? Who knows?!<br /><br />We have the advent calendar up - filled with Thorntons chocs from the UK food shop - and a poinsettia but that's the extent of the festive decorations so far. Oh, and we bought a christmas smelling candle but haven't burned it yet.<br /><br />I'm working all weekend (yuck!) so not sure how much I will get festive before next week but I will try.<br /><br />We are both pretty snowed with work at the moment and looking forward to the break over xmas to rest and recuperate ready for a new year and a new decade. (Never mind where did this year go, what about the decade!)<br /><br />We have the proof book from the photographers and hoping to pick photos for our album and thank you cards soon.<br /><br />There's lots to do and it doesn't feel like there's enough time but I'm sure we will get through it all.<br /><br />Oh and somewhere in the middle of work this weekend I have to write my xmas cards cos I'm already a week past the last posting date.<br /><br />Very random post but thought it was time for an update and I've not got any photos to share but will try to rectify that over the coming weeks.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12090863.post-10038575383149080472009-11-22T21:04:00.005+13:002010-10-28T16:16:40.648+13:0028 things aged 28<em>(Had been planning to post more wedding mosaics but can't remember my password for the mosaic programme - hopefully will get more up in the next few days).</em><br /><br />Following on from the success of my <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2009/10/27-things-at-27.html">27 things </a>to do aged 27 <a href="http://kandgnzadventure.blogspot.com/2008/11/list.html">list</a> I came up with a similar list for my 28th birthday.<br />Like last year, I will try and do sporadic updates to show how I am getting on.<br /><br />Here goes:<br /><br /><strong><u>28 things, aged 28</u></strong><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >=complete</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >=started</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">=not done</span></div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >1. Post 28 hand-written letters DONE</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /><span>2. Get married – become Mrs. G <em>DONE</em><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span">3. Perfect my new ‘married’ signature DONE</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">4. Have a honeymoon DONE</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">5. Watch 28 movies DONE</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">6. Play Badminton</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">7. Ride a horse</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">8. Read ‘A Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >9. Swim 20 times 3/20</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >10. Scrapbook our wedding photos (not scrapbooked in the usual sense but I have the professional album plus an album of guests shots so I'm calling this DONE)</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >11. Walk Rhett 75 times (nowhere near 75 unfortunately)<br />12. Capture the seasons on camera and document (Half done - I got the photos but didn't document them in anyway)<br />13. Give myself 50 beauty treatments (about 20/50)</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">14. Purchase 28 bonus bonds</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >15. Scrapbook 50 times</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">16. Keep an everyday life journal (300/365 days at least)..(I made a good start on this but didn't make 300 days)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">17. Make an acrylic mini book - I bought the album, might get round to making it this year!<br />18. Blog 50 times - 29/50<br />19. List 100 things I love about myself</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >20. Try a new recipe every month DONE</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">21. Crochet something DONE - I haven't finished it bit I've definetely crocheted something!</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >22. Tell Graeme I love him 100 different ways<br />23. Have a K&G date night every month</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">24. Eat 365 portions of fruit<br />25. Choose a song per month for my 28 compilation album<br />26. Go on the Wii Fit/Treadmill 50 times<br />27. Phone a friend every month<br />28. Spend time each week making the house ready for company</span></span><br /><br />One thing already completed before I've even posted the list. Result!</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04222884623106258497noreply@blogger.com1