Find me here

Mac was born in April and today came of age as he took his longest ride ever in a car and crossed the Whanganui and Rangitikei Rivers to find himself in a new home. And what a lovely home too.

Ellie was a gracious and welcoming older auntie and made Mac feel right at home!

Welcome Mac and thank you for choosing us! And thank you to Yvonne from Keridale Golden Retrievers – Mac is a beautiful puppy for us to care for.

It was good to see them win at home – and as always it is better live.

Results

It is a chance to sit and ponder topics as presented, the job itself and to share with others doing a similar job. The fatigue level when on three such days is so different from a normal day at school. You feel quite normal at the end of the day – pleasantly tired but not smashed.

Today we finished early to enable those from far flung corners of the diocese to travel home. I get home in minutes of course and then enjoyed a lovely walk with family and Ellie down to Paneri Park.

Tonight I’m settling down in front of the fire on the coldest day of the year so far. Three restful interesting days just past and a weekend ahead.

I made a conscious decision a few weeks ago to reduce the amount of time I spend online. I reduced my Bloglines feeds and have avoided long surfing sessions – this has been replaced by some long walks with Ellie and so this morning we ventured out to Paneri Park for a gentle stroll. The autumn weather continues to be marvellous – warm, still and dry underfoot. Ellie was keen to go and trotted ahead of me smelling and exploring – just being a dog!

After a jaunt through the old quarry we entered the current working quarry.

And then you see the glass mountain. It is huge and these photos do not capture the size adequately.

And nearby is a smaller pile of crushed and broken glass.

I do not know anything about this glass mountain. It has been there and growing for at least two years as I have often run through here on a Sunday when the quarry is closed. My guess is that this is all the glass collected in the city over recent times and it is being stockpiled for some reason. Interesting because we are about to begin a new era of recycling with a far greater emphasis on recycling and a much wider range of products being collected.

Ellie loved the new sights and smells but it wasn’t long until she found the the river and took a dip.

And then it was time to head home and tackle a few weekend chores.

The river is low and slow – ideal for a dip!

Now if you know me you know the whole dog thing is very new. Today I held a puppy for the first time. How brave!!

And then it was time for a sleep. Gradually the puppies slowed and grouped together. A stew of puppies!

Time for a sleep. The puppy comes home in a couple of weeks – time to puppy proof the house!

It has been one of those times when the blogging just dries up but here is a short post today anyway.

The only reason I blog is for myself and I am considering shutting down The Long Run later this year. It costs about $260 a year for the hosting and the domain – which is not a lot but it is a new pair of Vibram 5 Fingers. They are soon to be available in NZ so will figure out how to get a pair. They look awesome – the only concern I have is if my toes will fit – I have some pretty curled up little toes!!

Have kept the faith with the Manawatu Jets who lost again the other night. I have made every home game and have loved the whole spectacle. Next year I will buy a season ticket. You get to sit real close to the action, see some fantastic sport and get to watch all Nz’s top bballers. Real value. So far however I have not managed to get anyone to come with me – I have asked so many times that now I am considering taking Ellie – do you think they’ll let me take a golden retriever in?

Speaking of Ellie not a day goes by without me being grateful to life for this pet. She has bought something into my life I could never have imagined. It is a deep joy. This dog is just the best. Today we walked for almost two hours down to the river and back. It was a beautiful walk.

We will be getting our puppy in about a month. This will also be interesting. I have no idea what to expect apart from chaos! It will be Louise’s dog so we will see how it all unfolds. Ellie and I might just slip out for a quiet stroll and leave the puppy at home!

Tim’s soccer is underway with 1 win and a loss thus far. Enjoyed today’s game in warm sunshine. Long may it continue.

Have run for an hour or almost an hour for the last few weekends. Feeling pretty good but tired so its off to bed tonight for an early night. Have finally shrugged off my chocolate addiction – may be a bit harsh – but have always had some chocolate in the weekend for years and now onto the third or fourth weekend without. The secret is to eat better and not get so tired then you don’t crave the sweet stuff.

At school we are trucking along very nicely. My vision for St Matthew’s is unfolding as the quality teaching and learning develops. I am thrilled with some of the progress I see in everyone – children, staff and community – as we strive for excellence in everything we do. We have had quite a bit of graffiti this year – we will be more resilient than they. Sport Monday and Art, Music and Te Reo Tuesdays have been a boon. We do our CRT by myself and a teacher aid look after the whole school for an hour and a half a week. Yesterdays session was one of the best we have had – it is busy but it is like teaching again. I get the best of both world’s being a principal!

There you have it – my news and round up!

Blessings and peace to all.

She was born in 1964 so that makes her around 46. I hope mine is looking as good in 2050!