I am so full of "water bogies" (as Hannah calls them) that I am not going to say much before I go and crawl into bed.
Most Important game: The Orcas won 6-0, hat-tricks for Joseph and Harry. Good game, mostly attacking. Kids complained about how they never get goal kicks again. Kids starting to freak about playing the parents. Bit sad, last game and all that, but game next weekend and prizegiving yet to come. Seems that cricket will be the sport of choice for summer.
Vaguely relevant game: Taranaki thrashed Auckland, third win in a row against Auckland.
Significant game: Wallabies screwed All Blacks, now five losses in a row. Again AB's blow a lead for most of the game in the final 10 or fifteen. First time the got AB's three in a row since 1929.
Consequential game: Black Ferns (ladies rugby team) beat the Walleroos in the curtain raiser. Support now significantly shifted towards women's rugby in New Zealand.
Indifferent game: Women's League team creamed Great Britain side, I think. Media coverage sporadic.
Did bugger all of note, picked up kayak, couldn't use it. Too much wind, Diana spewing on Saturday (but not Sunday so no worries there), me with tissues attached to face all weekend. Took kids to movies in morning yesterday, saw Godzilla with Rory - it was okay but nothing special. Hannah saw Anastasia.
Going to bed now, have a better week than me.
31 August 1998
24 August 1998
17 August 1998
Okay, this is the highly edited version (although it may not appear to be) - 17/08/98
Where does one start exactly?
The rugby. Up 23-5, then losing 24-23. Peter thinks that they wanted to lose because the boks are really cocky and we want the World Cup more than anything. Might be true, let's hope so. We should have easily won and letting the foot off the throat is possibly the only explanation.
On a happier note, the Orcas beat the curse of Kiwitea Park and won 3-0 on a narrow field where we had a nil all draw previously. Won 9 from 11 now, which is pretty good. Only two games left assuming weather plays no part.
Harbour got thumped by Taranaki in the opening round of the NPC, Otago thumped Canterbury, and Auckland was beaten 24-23 by Waikato so they (W) keep the shield. Didn't actually watch any of the NPC games.
Forgot to mention I bought roller blades last weekend. Got some for Rory on Friday night and we did some 'blading on Saturday and Sunday (Rory twice as long as anyone else on Sunday). Gavin showed us a few pointers on Saturday morning. He came to the game and took some more photos. The last ones were so good I wanted some more before it was too late. Rory did very well on his 'blades, and is way too confident. Falls over for fun. I haven't fallen over yet, although came quite close once. Seem to be getting the knack of stopping and turning. Rory will be doing it every night this week I think. Hannah has some strap on Thomas blades that are really wide. She is trying but it is quite hard for her. Keen though.
Rory had two team mates over on Saturday after the game, Ryan and Harry. They played very well, I think having them after they are knackered from a game is an excellent approach. No scraps, and not much boisterous behaviour. The coach that beat his son has been relieved of his position, I thought they might have let him finish the season. Most parents of the kids in his team don't understand why he had to go.
Went swimming yesterday morning with the kids at Waitakere for first time in ages - since our holiday in fact. Rory swam the full 25m length of the main pool, very pleased about it - still going on about it at breakfast this morning. I had to swim it underwater. Was sucking air afterward, believe me.
Hannah was "asleep" when we got home, so I put her to bed and we (Diana as well) pretended to leave the room and we shut the door. As soon as she heard the click she opened her eyes and turned around - SPRUNG! She was pretty miffed to say the least. Was quite funny, I have to admit.
After we came home and I phoned my grandparents. Went down there in the afternoon. My grandmother is basically knackered, looked very tired and frail. She has lost heaps of weight and is struggling to breath. It wasn't exactly fun but I am glad I went, would rather be there while she is still moving. Basically said goodbye to her. My grandfather isn't having a lot of fun, but he is handling it. He might move to Auckland after this is all over.
Hannah strip mined a flowerbed of their neighbours. A whole bunch of little green bushes with signs saying what the plants used to be. She wasn't caught, would have been a good lesson for her. Kids were otherwise pretty good, the care centre where my grandmother was would seem pretty overwhelming to them I think, I remember what it was like visiting my great-grandmother when I was that age.
The big anniversary passed relatively quietly. We got some takeout pizzas from Prego. Haven't decided what to do present-wise yet, but might just buy a picture for the lounge. No idea when we will actually go and look for one.
Friday night we did the shopping things so we didn't need to over the weekend. It was good, we took the kids to Burger King for dinner and they ran around at the playground. Felt like we had more time the rest of the weekend.
Did no gardening, no basic household maintenance, didn't seem to have time. Didn't even glue anything.
Kids seem to be spending heaps more time on the computer and less in front of the television and video, which is good. Putt Putt Travels Trough Time is the latest fad, we got it from the library. Keeps them quiet but it means we can often only use the computer when they are asleep. Maybe we need two......
Now, the politics. We kind of have a government but not really. Winston got sacked on Thursday and is now a backbench MP. One NZ First member has walked. The rest are still NZF. They are now going into the coalition disputes procedure to see what happens but the government is largely crippled. Mucking around for days or weeks with this sort of thing is utterly pathetic, but is classic Winston style.
Now we hear this morning that confidence in buying houses has gone up. Screwy. NZ$ is buying less than US$0.50c, so things are kind of dodgy for some people. At least interest rates are lowish.
We won some sort of sailing cup, Kenwood Cup, I think, in Hawaii late last week. First one for a while. Just about the end of the season for the team I don't mention, one game to go, didn't make the playoffs but didn't come last I suppose.
When we went south yesterday we noticed the waters of the Waikato are still very bloody high. I know rain was forecast for the area but it appears they are still there from the last big dump. Couple of fields that are still lakes and one field that is just dried mud. One house still has their driveway under water and a kayak looking all sad and lonely beside it.
Paul - got your postcard, the kids really liked the picture of the castle. Rory spent a while imagining what it would be like to live in one. Wanted to build one in the back.
Koos- just talked to your Dad, he said he is having some sort of test to see what is happening with his eye. Gave him your address to give to David.
The rugby. Up 23-5, then losing 24-23. Peter thinks that they wanted to lose because the boks are really cocky and we want the World Cup more than anything. Might be true, let's hope so. We should have easily won and letting the foot off the throat is possibly the only explanation.
On a happier note, the Orcas beat the curse of Kiwitea Park and won 3-0 on a narrow field where we had a nil all draw previously. Won 9 from 11 now, which is pretty good. Only two games left assuming weather plays no part.
Harbour got thumped by Taranaki in the opening round of the NPC, Otago thumped Canterbury, and Auckland was beaten 24-23 by Waikato so they (W) keep the shield. Didn't actually watch any of the NPC games.
Forgot to mention I bought roller blades last weekend. Got some for Rory on Friday night and we did some 'blading on Saturday and Sunday (Rory twice as long as anyone else on Sunday). Gavin showed us a few pointers on Saturday morning. He came to the game and took some more photos. The last ones were so good I wanted some more before it was too late. Rory did very well on his 'blades, and is way too confident. Falls over for fun. I haven't fallen over yet, although came quite close once. Seem to be getting the knack of stopping and turning. Rory will be doing it every night this week I think. Hannah has some strap on Thomas blades that are really wide. She is trying but it is quite hard for her. Keen though.
Rory had two team mates over on Saturday after the game, Ryan and Harry. They played very well, I think having them after they are knackered from a game is an excellent approach. No scraps, and not much boisterous behaviour. The coach that beat his son has been relieved of his position, I thought they might have let him finish the season. Most parents of the kids in his team don't understand why he had to go.
Went swimming yesterday morning with the kids at Waitakere for first time in ages - since our holiday in fact. Rory swam the full 25m length of the main pool, very pleased about it - still going on about it at breakfast this morning. I had to swim it underwater. Was sucking air afterward, believe me.
Hannah was "asleep" when we got home, so I put her to bed and we (Diana as well) pretended to leave the room and we shut the door. As soon as she heard the click she opened her eyes and turned around - SPRUNG! She was pretty miffed to say the least. Was quite funny, I have to admit.
After we came home and I phoned my grandparents. Went down there in the afternoon. My grandmother is basically knackered, looked very tired and frail. She has lost heaps of weight and is struggling to breath. It wasn't exactly fun but I am glad I went, would rather be there while she is still moving. Basically said goodbye to her. My grandfather isn't having a lot of fun, but he is handling it. He might move to Auckland after this is all over.
Hannah strip mined a flowerbed of their neighbours. A whole bunch of little green bushes with signs saying what the plants used to be. She wasn't caught, would have been a good lesson for her. Kids were otherwise pretty good, the care centre where my grandmother was would seem pretty overwhelming to them I think, I remember what it was like visiting my great-grandmother when I was that age.
The big anniversary passed relatively quietly. We got some takeout pizzas from Prego. Haven't decided what to do present-wise yet, but might just buy a picture for the lounge. No idea when we will actually go and look for one.
Friday night we did the shopping things so we didn't need to over the weekend. It was good, we took the kids to Burger King for dinner and they ran around at the playground. Felt like we had more time the rest of the weekend.
Did no gardening, no basic household maintenance, didn't seem to have time. Didn't even glue anything.
Kids seem to be spending heaps more time on the computer and less in front of the television and video, which is good. Putt Putt Travels Trough Time is the latest fad, we got it from the library. Keeps them quiet but it means we can often only use the computer when they are asleep. Maybe we need two......
Now, the politics. We kind of have a government but not really. Winston got sacked on Thursday and is now a backbench MP. One NZ First member has walked. The rest are still NZF. They are now going into the coalition disputes procedure to see what happens but the government is largely crippled. Mucking around for days or weeks with this sort of thing is utterly pathetic, but is classic Winston style.
Now we hear this morning that confidence in buying houses has gone up. Screwy. NZ$ is buying less than US$0.50c, so things are kind of dodgy for some people. At least interest rates are lowish.
We won some sort of sailing cup, Kenwood Cup, I think, in Hawaii late last week. First one for a while. Just about the end of the season for the team I don't mention, one game to go, didn't make the playoffs but didn't come last I suppose.
When we went south yesterday we noticed the waters of the Waikato are still very bloody high. I know rain was forecast for the area but it appears they are still there from the last big dump. Couple of fields that are still lakes and one field that is just dried mud. One house still has their driveway under water and a kayak looking all sad and lonely beside it.
Paul - got your postcard, the kids really liked the picture of the castle. Rory spent a while imagining what it would be like to live in one. Wanted to build one in the back.
Koos- just talked to your Dad, he said he is having some sort of test to see what is happening with his eye. Gave him your address to give to David.
10 August 1998
This is the week, ten long years - 10/08/98
Well, on Thursday it is Diana's 10th wedding anniversary. By some sort of coincidence it is mine as well. Seems a while ago, I must admit. Got absolutely no idea what we will do for it. We are probably just going to order in pizza from Prego for dinner seeing it is a weeknight.
Speaking of Diana, she was sick and stayed in bed on Wednesday, first time since we've had kids (other than when she actually HAD the kids). Had to take Hannah swimming, drop Rory to school, cover for Diana in his computer class, and take him home. Good for me to do all that and see a different side of things. Hannah "high-fived" me at the completion of each length. She was very good in the car when I was talking on my phone, which could be confusing seeing it is in a hands-free setup so I don't look like I am on the phone. She said hello to "big Rory", a client who she has met a couple of times.
She crashed and slept for about three hours, during which time I was out doing work. When she woke up she wanted to go to Melissa's house (which was planned earlier in the week for that day but hadn't been mentioned during the day). I didn't take her because a) she was asleep, and b) I didn't get back in time. Bit of a ruckus but she went the next day in the end. I explained that we could go but nobody was home so we could just sit outside on the street in the car. She wanted to go inside and I pointed out that we would go to jail for that and then Rory and Mummy would play with our toys. Didn't quite swing it, but it helped. Finally she relented when I told her I needed help to burn the dinner.
Rory was very happy to see me at school for the computer session. Diana has been assisting the teacher which is making things considerably better and more productive. Many teachers aren't taking their kids into the suite because they are either scared of the technology or can't handle all the kids. It was an experience I have to admit. I fixed a few things on some of the machines, cleaned some mouse balls, and kept an eye on Diana's group of techno-bunnies (Rory and Ryan and the rest are year twos). One of the kids told me I looked pretty flash. Had to ask Rory what that meant (cool, apparently). Rory's comment to the other kids when I arrived was "My Dad's big, eh?". Silly really. It was fun to see what happened, much like soccer training but worse. I always thought the young ones were too scared to be anything but well-behaved. Nope. This girl Elizabeth that always chases Rory in Kiss and Catch talks like Hannah in overdrive, in overdrive. Inside of 30 seconds I knew she did ballet, origami, dancing, and about seventeen other things. I asked her if she had considered joining Toastmasters but I don't think she likes toast.
Rory lost a third tooth on Thursday night, the first one that was wiggly, the other tooth came up behind it. I showed him how to pull it out and he did, the damn thing was wobbling about 70 degrees either way so it was time to go. He has nearly $50 in his money box now, with birthday money and teeth boosting it considerably. Little bugger doesn't really need anything, a whole week after his birthday. I said he could buy all the Spice Girl dolls and he went "AAAaaarrrgghghh!". Then I said the Action Men could take them out with hand grenades and missiles and all of a sudden he thought that was an option. We will wait a few weeks before he gets cut loose with the money. I wish I could think of something appropriate that he could continue to save for.
Got some photos of the soccer from weekend before last, with some cool shots of the team in action, including Adam looking utterly focussed and in action and two of him adjusting his shirt (much more natural shots). I seem to be pointing a lot. There is a great one of Hannah with a bit of orange in her mouth, she looks surprised as if she has a whole orange in there. Gavin took them, and I think I might try to get him to take a few more.
The team got a game on Saturday, despite the predictions of rain from Friday lunchtime. We didn't see rain until late Sunday and it is still raining now, but lightly. They played well, Jared nearly scored his first goal, so close it wasn't funny, just too much of a rush. We won 6-0 with Joseph scoring 5. Against easier teams Joseph seems to score more goals. In the tougher games the others seem to score as well because I think Joseph passes it more. Many hung around afterward and played on the playground at Michaels Ave (in Ellerslie). Three games to go! I don't know what I will do on Saturdays after that. I woke up at 5am again on Saturday so was thoroughly stuffed for the party in the evening. I was very pleased we got to play. It is without doubt the highlight of my week. One of the parents on the other team said I was a very good ref! Better than the slagging you get in the higher grades. Paul Chambers' coach was ref'ing his game on Saturday and he gave every doubtful call in favour of his own team, and ran the game about seven minutes over time because his team was behind. The next teams due to play were yelling for them to stop from the sideline (timetable is very tight with games hard up against each other) and then the two coaches got a bit heated (Allan got between them to defuse the situation). I don't know who they think they are kidding sometimes. Paul might come and watch a training session with the Orcas and help out.
An all gay rugby team was featured in the Listener this week. They are the only team with 17 different coloured uniforms, they want to make sure they don't clash with anyone they play. Apparently their first game was a problem because when they were told to come out they said they already had and went into a group hug. They also not only have the blood bin, but the mud bin, where people come off when they get a bit of dirt on them. Stay tuned to see how they go. Some say they will want to be bottom of the table.
Forgot to send commiseration to the Sydney-siders with no water last week. Hope the giardia is settling down. For those who don't know, about 3.5 million people couldn't drink the water for a few days. Penny said they had bugger all bottled water as they had just sent a heap to New Guinea after the Tsunami. And they laughed about our power.
Radio Sport has been way too much in the last week with the verbal black armbands out over the rugby. Pathetic. But Michael Jones has been dropped on the basis that they are now looking toward the World Cup next year. Sad, he has been playing pretty well considering. Let's see what happens. Norm Berryman was named in the 26 man squad, to the joy of people in both Northland and Canterbury (played for the Crusaders this year). Jones says he will keep playing for Auckland.
Interesting little event at training last Tuesday. A coach dragged his son off the field, round behind the front door of the ute, then whacked him about a dozen times. I didn't want to go and interfere while I had my team to look after but the whole scene was not at all good. I didn't want to get involved in a scrap in front of my team but felt pretty shitty about leaving the boy to get thumped. A woman went over and said something and she was told to make love elsewhere. I have written a letter to the club suggesting he is not really coach material (I don't think they can do anything about him as a father). I thought my team didn't see but one said later "Gee, that coach must have been really mad with that boy" - didn't occur to them that it was a parent as well.
Installed a waste disposal thing over the weekend, despite the guy at Mitre 10's efforts to screw it up (sent Diana to get certain items, came back with less in a supposedly cheap way of doing it that didn't work and screwed up some other perfectly good components of pipery). Kids had a birthday party Saturday afternoon (Zac, who is one day older than Rory) and we had a going away party Saturday night (Gary and Angie with their two kids similar to our two in age, one of which is the Matthew we confused last weekend. Mathew is in the Stingrays, with the coach mentioned above who gives free boxing lessons). They are going to Canada for a year, on a fireman exchange programme. Heaps of people from Diana's school were there, and a few Pt Chev people I know. One guy there was talking about a lady he travelled around the US with who had slept with Bill Clinton. Wondered if she would sell her story, but I think there is probably a fair few in the same position and sleeping with him before he was married isn't exactly newsworthy. More interest in a woman who hasn't slept with him.
They are speculating on him being named as an All Black. Ball distribution excellent, defence (in court) is outstanding, doesn't mind getting his hands dirty, plays the field well.
Rory corrected the injustice of the previous weekend when he went to the other Matthews house yesterday. When he rang up he said "hello, it is Matthew EDMOND here."
Sarah came and watched Rory play on Saturday and she stayed until I dropped the kids and Diana off to the party. Was good to see her again. Her accommodation is small, but not bad. Good start for her in terms of getting out into the real world.
My grandmother is in care again, this time it may be for the duration. Needed an injection to sleep on Friday. She looked so good a few weeks back, it is a bit of a shame. Pop says he is a bit lonely, but I think he is referring to the gin bottle being empty more than anything else.
Koos, spoke to your mother the other night. She seemed pretty cheerful. Will give her your email address so David can mail you.
Labour and the Alliance hopped into bed together last week. Scary thought, but I suppose it had to happen. Bill Ralston used the rugby analogy to describe politics at the moment. The coalition has three loose forwards (John Banks, Christine Fletcher, and Neil Kirton) that act like seagulls round a rubbish dump. Winston is no good under a high ball, although he has great footwork. The tight five are a bit tired and need replacing. The Labour Alliance opposition have a strong left and right wing, so nobody knows where the next attack is coming from. You get the idea.
Shitty weather in Sydney last Friday I hear.
As you can tell, a fairly busy week all things considered. Will let you know how the anniversary goes. All of you who said it wouldn't last are definitely out of pocket by now. Mind you, we still haven't done our wedding photos. Maybe leave that for the 20th anniversary.
Speaking of Diana, she was sick and stayed in bed on Wednesday, first time since we've had kids (other than when she actually HAD the kids). Had to take Hannah swimming, drop Rory to school, cover for Diana in his computer class, and take him home. Good for me to do all that and see a different side of things. Hannah "high-fived" me at the completion of each length. She was very good in the car when I was talking on my phone, which could be confusing seeing it is in a hands-free setup so I don't look like I am on the phone. She said hello to "big Rory", a client who she has met a couple of times.
She crashed and slept for about three hours, during which time I was out doing work. When she woke up she wanted to go to Melissa's house (which was planned earlier in the week for that day but hadn't been mentioned during the day). I didn't take her because a) she was asleep, and b) I didn't get back in time. Bit of a ruckus but she went the next day in the end. I explained that we could go but nobody was home so we could just sit outside on the street in the car. She wanted to go inside and I pointed out that we would go to jail for that and then Rory and Mummy would play with our toys. Didn't quite swing it, but it helped. Finally she relented when I told her I needed help to burn the dinner.
Rory was very happy to see me at school for the computer session. Diana has been assisting the teacher which is making things considerably better and more productive. Many teachers aren't taking their kids into the suite because they are either scared of the technology or can't handle all the kids. It was an experience I have to admit. I fixed a few things on some of the machines, cleaned some mouse balls, and kept an eye on Diana's group of techno-bunnies (Rory and Ryan and the rest are year twos). One of the kids told me I looked pretty flash. Had to ask Rory what that meant (cool, apparently). Rory's comment to the other kids when I arrived was "My Dad's big, eh?". Silly really. It was fun to see what happened, much like soccer training but worse. I always thought the young ones were too scared to be anything but well-behaved. Nope. This girl Elizabeth that always chases Rory in Kiss and Catch talks like Hannah in overdrive, in overdrive. Inside of 30 seconds I knew she did ballet, origami, dancing, and about seventeen other things. I asked her if she had considered joining Toastmasters but I don't think she likes toast.
Rory lost a third tooth on Thursday night, the first one that was wiggly, the other tooth came up behind it. I showed him how to pull it out and he did, the damn thing was wobbling about 70 degrees either way so it was time to go. He has nearly $50 in his money box now, with birthday money and teeth boosting it considerably. Little bugger doesn't really need anything, a whole week after his birthday. I said he could buy all the Spice Girl dolls and he went "AAAaaarrrgghghh!". Then I said the Action Men could take them out with hand grenades and missiles and all of a sudden he thought that was an option. We will wait a few weeks before he gets cut loose with the money. I wish I could think of something appropriate that he could continue to save for.
Got some photos of the soccer from weekend before last, with some cool shots of the team in action, including Adam looking utterly focussed and in action and two of him adjusting his shirt (much more natural shots). I seem to be pointing a lot. There is a great one of Hannah with a bit of orange in her mouth, she looks surprised as if she has a whole orange in there. Gavin took them, and I think I might try to get him to take a few more.
The team got a game on Saturday, despite the predictions of rain from Friday lunchtime. We didn't see rain until late Sunday and it is still raining now, but lightly. They played well, Jared nearly scored his first goal, so close it wasn't funny, just too much of a rush. We won 6-0 with Joseph scoring 5. Against easier teams Joseph seems to score more goals. In the tougher games the others seem to score as well because I think Joseph passes it more. Many hung around afterward and played on the playground at Michaels Ave (in Ellerslie). Three games to go! I don't know what I will do on Saturdays after that. I woke up at 5am again on Saturday so was thoroughly stuffed for the party in the evening. I was very pleased we got to play. It is without doubt the highlight of my week. One of the parents on the other team said I was a very good ref! Better than the slagging you get in the higher grades. Paul Chambers' coach was ref'ing his game on Saturday and he gave every doubtful call in favour of his own team, and ran the game about seven minutes over time because his team was behind. The next teams due to play were yelling for them to stop from the sideline (timetable is very tight with games hard up against each other) and then the two coaches got a bit heated (Allan got between them to defuse the situation). I don't know who they think they are kidding sometimes. Paul might come and watch a training session with the Orcas and help out.
An all gay rugby team was featured in the Listener this week. They are the only team with 17 different coloured uniforms, they want to make sure they don't clash with anyone they play. Apparently their first game was a problem because when they were told to come out they said they already had and went into a group hug. They also not only have the blood bin, but the mud bin, where people come off when they get a bit of dirt on them. Stay tuned to see how they go. Some say they will want to be bottom of the table.
Forgot to send commiseration to the Sydney-siders with no water last week. Hope the giardia is settling down. For those who don't know, about 3.5 million people couldn't drink the water for a few days. Penny said they had bugger all bottled water as they had just sent a heap to New Guinea after the Tsunami. And they laughed about our power.
Radio Sport has been way too much in the last week with the verbal black armbands out over the rugby. Pathetic. But Michael Jones has been dropped on the basis that they are now looking toward the World Cup next year. Sad, he has been playing pretty well considering. Let's see what happens. Norm Berryman was named in the 26 man squad, to the joy of people in both Northland and Canterbury (played for the Crusaders this year). Jones says he will keep playing for Auckland.
Interesting little event at training last Tuesday. A coach dragged his son off the field, round behind the front door of the ute, then whacked him about a dozen times. I didn't want to go and interfere while I had my team to look after but the whole scene was not at all good. I didn't want to get involved in a scrap in front of my team but felt pretty shitty about leaving the boy to get thumped. A woman went over and said something and she was told to make love elsewhere. I have written a letter to the club suggesting he is not really coach material (I don't think they can do anything about him as a father). I thought my team didn't see but one said later "Gee, that coach must have been really mad with that boy" - didn't occur to them that it was a parent as well.
Installed a waste disposal thing over the weekend, despite the guy at Mitre 10's efforts to screw it up (sent Diana to get certain items, came back with less in a supposedly cheap way of doing it that didn't work and screwed up some other perfectly good components of pipery). Kids had a birthday party Saturday afternoon (Zac, who is one day older than Rory) and we had a going away party Saturday night (Gary and Angie with their two kids similar to our two in age, one of which is the Matthew we confused last weekend. Mathew is in the Stingrays, with the coach mentioned above who gives free boxing lessons). They are going to Canada for a year, on a fireman exchange programme. Heaps of people from Diana's school were there, and a few Pt Chev people I know. One guy there was talking about a lady he travelled around the US with who had slept with Bill Clinton. Wondered if she would sell her story, but I think there is probably a fair few in the same position and sleeping with him before he was married isn't exactly newsworthy. More interest in a woman who hasn't slept with him.
They are speculating on him being named as an All Black. Ball distribution excellent, defence (in court) is outstanding, doesn't mind getting his hands dirty, plays the field well.
Rory corrected the injustice of the previous weekend when he went to the other Matthews house yesterday. When he rang up he said "hello, it is Matthew EDMOND here."
Sarah came and watched Rory play on Saturday and she stayed until I dropped the kids and Diana off to the party. Was good to see her again. Her accommodation is small, but not bad. Good start for her in terms of getting out into the real world.
My grandmother is in care again, this time it may be for the duration. Needed an injection to sleep on Friday. She looked so good a few weeks back, it is a bit of a shame. Pop says he is a bit lonely, but I think he is referring to the gin bottle being empty more than anything else.
Koos, spoke to your mother the other night. She seemed pretty cheerful. Will give her your email address so David can mail you.
Labour and the Alliance hopped into bed together last week. Scary thought, but I suppose it had to happen. Bill Ralston used the rugby analogy to describe politics at the moment. The coalition has three loose forwards (John Banks, Christine Fletcher, and Neil Kirton) that act like seagulls round a rubbish dump. Winston is no good under a high ball, although he has great footwork. The tight five are a bit tired and need replacing. The Labour Alliance opposition have a strong left and right wing, so nobody knows where the next attack is coming from. You get the idea.
Shitty weather in Sydney last Friday I hear.
As you can tell, a fairly busy week all things considered. Will let you know how the anniversary goes. All of you who said it wouldn't last are definitely out of pocket by now. Mind you, we still haven't done our wedding photos. Maybe leave that for the 20th anniversary.
3 August 1998
What a team! - 03/08/98
Go Orcas!
I gave the team the big speech about how I wanted some of the other players to score a goal before the end of the season and Ryan scored the first goal (Rory's best friend, his first goal ever). We won the game 4-0, record now 28 for and 3 against (gotta be one of the best ratios around). They were a little disappointed because we were going to go to Lollipop Land if it was cancelled. They are doing very well, and I am very proud of them all. Adam, who is secretly my pick for least likely to score a goal, did the thing with the shirt where you pull it up when you score a goal like they did in the World Cup (nobody had scored a goal). Was classic.
Only four more games to go now, then hopefully a game against the parents. Still no reply from the Chicago Bulls to my application for a coaching position.
Big cockup on Sunday, Matthew rang and wanted Rory to come around and play. I asked him to check which Matthew because I didn't recognise the voice, then Diana tried to talk to Dad but he wasn't around. So we go to Matthew's house and drop Rory off, along with Tarpaulins borrowed for the birthday party. Gary seemed okay so off we went. Came back, picked him up after going to the supermarket. He had been able to work while the boys entertained each other. Worked well. Get home, there is a message from Paul, the other Mathew's Dad wondering where we are. OOOPPPSS! Seems Gary assumed his wife had arranged it. Felt sorry for the other Matthew. They all know each other so they could have all played together.
Anyway, birthday party on Friday was a big success. Picked Rory up from school (and Hannah), don't often get to do that. No tears or scraps at the party. The D costumes were three draculas, two devils, two dragonslayers (including Rory) and one Darth Vader. We had the "ball Olympics" where they all threw tennis balls through holes and stuff. Rory got the lowest score. Think he was fudging it again (doesn't like beating his friends). Then we loaded the BeastWars game I got Rory on the computer when it rained a little and I had eight boys a vying for position to see what was happening.
Rory did pretty well, with two lots of Action Man accessories, an Action Man (not fully articulated), an AM Gyrocopter, two transformer BeastWars, a BW book, the dragon siege engine for his castle, a guts spewing bug that Ross and Kath got him, and a few other bits and pieces. This morning he announced that he is ordering Santa (how quick the focus changes) for a Playstation ( fat chance) and to be made magic (yeah, right).
Took the kids to the flea market yesterday, which Hannah called the shop on the road. Diana slept for an hour and a half. We saw fog on the fields, the skytower lights were still on, and a hitchhiker tried to get a ride by doing a Keanu Reeves (in Speed, under the bus). It was fun to go for a little adventure. We had a big discussion about noses in the car after Hannah was using a tissue to get out the "water bogies" (she has a cold). Decided that noses were for breathing and picking. Asked about what happened when Mummy was cooking muffins, Rory said you could smell the burning. Hannah said that boots smell too. We decided that noses were no use really. Rory thinks we should chop them off then spit blood out of the holes at people.
Rory had a party at Liam's house in the afternoon and I practiced soccer for the indoor game that hasn't happened yet.
We don't talk about the rugby, we have less silverware now than for a long time. They suck, big changes afoot. The game was okay, missed the last two tries as I had gone to do things with the kids (Diana was out at lunch with friends).
At least it didn't rain much and we could have the party and the soccer. After record rainfall we had record temperatures in Auckland (highs). Stupid weather. I think the TAB is going to start taking bets on what happens next.
Not much other news. Did some minor gardening as the weather was better. No more shelves inside as yet.
Saw my half-sister Sarah last night, for first time since January. She has moved out of home and into a student hostel. Was good to see her, should be easier to keep in touch with her now.
Planning for Hannah's birthday now officially commenced. Six weeks away and counting.
Laughed more in seven minutes on Saturday night than ever before. I can't say why, it was something Diana said. She gave it a huge build up and I was desperately trying not to laugh, nearly choked on a vitamin C pill.
I gave the team the big speech about how I wanted some of the other players to score a goal before the end of the season and Ryan scored the first goal (Rory's best friend, his first goal ever). We won the game 4-0, record now 28 for and 3 against (gotta be one of the best ratios around). They were a little disappointed because we were going to go to Lollipop Land if it was cancelled. They are doing very well, and I am very proud of them all. Adam, who is secretly my pick for least likely to score a goal, did the thing with the shirt where you pull it up when you score a goal like they did in the World Cup (nobody had scored a goal). Was classic.
Only four more games to go now, then hopefully a game against the parents. Still no reply from the Chicago Bulls to my application for a coaching position.
Big cockup on Sunday, Matthew rang and wanted Rory to come around and play. I asked him to check which Matthew because I didn't recognise the voice, then Diana tried to talk to Dad but he wasn't around. So we go to Matthew's house and drop Rory off, along with Tarpaulins borrowed for the birthday party. Gary seemed okay so off we went. Came back, picked him up after going to the supermarket. He had been able to work while the boys entertained each other. Worked well. Get home, there is a message from Paul, the other Mathew's Dad wondering where we are. OOOPPPSS! Seems Gary assumed his wife had arranged it. Felt sorry for the other Matthew. They all know each other so they could have all played together.
Anyway, birthday party on Friday was a big success. Picked Rory up from school (and Hannah), don't often get to do that. No tears or scraps at the party. The D costumes were three draculas, two devils, two dragonslayers (including Rory) and one Darth Vader. We had the "ball Olympics" where they all threw tennis balls through holes and stuff. Rory got the lowest score. Think he was fudging it again (doesn't like beating his friends). Then we loaded the BeastWars game I got Rory on the computer when it rained a little and I had eight boys a vying for position to see what was happening.
Rory did pretty well, with two lots of Action Man accessories, an Action Man (not fully articulated), an AM Gyrocopter, two transformer BeastWars, a BW book, the dragon siege engine for his castle, a guts spewing bug that Ross and Kath got him, and a few other bits and pieces. This morning he announced that he is ordering Santa (how quick the focus changes) for a Playstation ( fat chance) and to be made magic (yeah, right).
Took the kids to the flea market yesterday, which Hannah called the shop on the road. Diana slept for an hour and a half. We saw fog on the fields, the skytower lights were still on, and a hitchhiker tried to get a ride by doing a Keanu Reeves (in Speed, under the bus). It was fun to go for a little adventure. We had a big discussion about noses in the car after Hannah was using a tissue to get out the "water bogies" (she has a cold). Decided that noses were for breathing and picking. Asked about what happened when Mummy was cooking muffins, Rory said you could smell the burning. Hannah said that boots smell too. We decided that noses were no use really. Rory thinks we should chop them off then spit blood out of the holes at people.
Rory had a party at Liam's house in the afternoon and I practiced soccer for the indoor game that hasn't happened yet.
We don't talk about the rugby, we have less silverware now than for a long time. They suck, big changes afoot. The game was okay, missed the last two tries as I had gone to do things with the kids (Diana was out at lunch with friends).
At least it didn't rain much and we could have the party and the soccer. After record rainfall we had record temperatures in Auckland (highs). Stupid weather. I think the TAB is going to start taking bets on what happens next.
Not much other news. Did some minor gardening as the weather was better. No more shelves inside as yet.
Saw my half-sister Sarah last night, for first time since January. She has moved out of home and into a student hostel. Was good to see her, should be easier to keep in touch with her now.
Planning for Hannah's birthday now officially commenced. Six weeks away and counting.
Laughed more in seven minutes on Saturday night than ever before. I can't say why, it was something Diana said. She gave it a huge build up and I was desperately trying not to laugh, nearly choked on a vitamin C pill.
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