Mama Maree

8 More Sleeps till Jordy Time!

2011-07-29T19:19:00.015+12:00

Scenes from a few days ago - I couldn't get out for two whole days and was only able to venture out after Nick shoveled the driveway and drove me to work....Jordy saw the snow dancing via skype. Perhaps one day he'll be help me build a snowman.

I am getting used to packing summer light clothes in the middle of winter, after all I've had a lot of practice now, lucky me! It's still pretty wierd. It's only just over 4 months since I've been with Jordy but in this short time he's grown into a little boy...just today he got his very own big boy chair...
Counting down Jordy, Mamma Maree is nearly on her way.......

Prodical Son

2011-01-28T21:48:00.008+13:00

It has been so long since I have visited Blogland that I am unfamiliar with how it works anymore...I have tried to post some pix of happenings but have been unsuccessful.

So..there is just one snapshot that will convey Dalmeny .....Nick has arrived!!!!

He didn't have this very useful motor on arrival of course, but where would Nick be without a Truck!!!! A Horse without a Carriage...So exciting - 2 cabs, & he has fixed an incredible boxed speaker sound system made up from old bookcases that he is just trying out now.
We have already a great pile of woodends to take away- but I'd better let him enjoy his music & a joy ride first:)

Nick has only been here a month & I cannot believe what he has fixed/unscrambled !

He has been so busy ripping out rotten toilet walls, fixing leaking plumbing & bringing his mum up to date with "must haves" ( already we are wireless - but here I win 'cos I managed that one! (after many hours & with a little help from Wayne )

We have great plans for this wee house & work is already underway.

1} toilet: work in progress...new window ($10 ) & sink ($145) purchased...walls still to be lined.

2} laundrey: work in progress...at the moment excellent working area for on site building )cupboards & closed in laundrey area planned, french doors recovered from basement ( old ones from lounge ) propped up against outside wall ready to lead out to outside deck.

3}Kitchen Challenge Brainstorming ongoing...New Fridge up & running ( Best Purchase Ever! )
How to make small space work & keep soul of "wee Olde Bungalow" without spending too much?? $ Prodical Son has found kitchen cupboard catches in bargain bin 1/2 price as no one makes them anymore!)

4} Enough $ left over so that main focus goes into HUGE DECK which looks out onto beautiful vista which is already there at no cost:)

Yes, I know....Nick has ARRIVED! It's only been a month, but already we are well underway with so many jobs.

I'm Project Manager & Nick is a great listener...we are a good Team & what I love about US is that it's like he's never been away. But the thing I love best about NICK is that whatever happens he just says ... " we can work that one out Maaareeee....no worries....

P.S. In Down Time we chat about Jordy & Finnigan too:)

Our Mr Ten Year Old ( in 8 more sleeps )

2010-11-01T20:36:00.008+13:00

This weekend I travelled down South to spend some time with my whanau. My favourite thing is always the big hug I get from my Finnnie & I am always suprised how fast he is growing - it won't be too long before he is looking down at his Mum & his Auntie Maree.
And here's some pix to prove it...

It doesn't seem to long ago when Finn was standing safetly out of range and waving to me as I mowed the lawn, and now here he is Lawnmower Man, and he can even get the mower started! Can hardly believe, and am very impressed. I can see him jumping on the back of Nick's ute this coming Summer & helping him do lots of man chores.

After we had watched Finn do all that hard work off we headed to Riverton & before we hit the beach we just had to have lunch at D&D's favourite Kiwi Cake Place " Thyme Out" It's the one with the big Lemingtons ( although they had all gone ) but there was lots of yummy cakes to choose from - The adults chose delicious scones, jam & cream ( am imagining Jordy's first taste of scone - hee hee ) & of course we had to take pix...maybe it's just as well you can't see the cakes..would be too cruel.
The boys opted for icecream after their swim - as big as those St Kilda ones!

Soaking up the sun - hard to believe Southland had so much snow just a few weeks ago - so much that the roof of the Sports Stadium collpapsed.

No surfing waves but Finn & his friend had great fun keeping cool & had cool mud fights.

Jude & I had a lovely walk along the shore - Riverton in the sun with my Family...a perfect day.

Being With Jordy

2010-10-08T21:25:00.005+13:00

2 months have passed now since I have been with wee Jordy.
There are too many wonderful magic moments to think about that I can't bring myself to journal. It somehow puts the feelings that I feel in a past tense. Sometimes that helps.
I have put all my photos in an albumn & made a wee diary for Jordy. I know he will treasure these one day.
It is so wonderful that his first years are recorded in so many ways.
Jordy's Gong Gong is giving a Wonderful History of past times; Not only for his many blog followers but more importantly for the family. Jordy's NZ/Irish/Scottish Heritage is not so detailed as his Singapore/Chinese connection but I hope we will have a few stories to tell him.

When I mentioned that I was having difficulty starting up my blog again, Jordy's Gong Gong sent me advice & encouragement: Start with a photo he advised. And so that's what I am doing. Starting with a photo....

Here is my latest photo of wee Jordy. It has been nearly 2 weeks since I have had a pix, as David ( BEST PHOTO SNAPSOTS FOR MAMMA IN THE WORLD AWARD ) was away on overseas trip for work. I really missed my "Jordy Fix" and I suppose in 2 weeks he hasn't changed too much but when the latest snapshot came through this week I couldn't help thinking about David, that same seriousness, same thinking about things...

What do you think

And here's another wee snapshot...

A little girl who has that wee serious thinking face too.

Just as well we know that the seriousness can, in any moment turn into a Sunshine Smile...

That's the Irish Connection!

xxx

Dalmeny Goes Native

2010-06-30T19:36:00.009+12:00

Well, with the carport looking swish after major overhaul, it was time to get rid of the old Glasshouse, which didn't actually have much glass in it, didn't get any sun, and was no use for anything 'cept local cats who probably rested there during their cruise around the neighbourhood.

The wee spot down the bottom of the garden is the only shady spot on the section, so hopefully just right for some natives; 4 pungas, lots of grasses, some verigated shrubs at the back, and a lovely maple type tree that will show stunning red leaves through late summers & autumns to come.

Of course, everything's quite small but hopefully they won't take too long to grow. Have had some hilarious moments covering the fern leaves with muslin type cloth to keep out the frosts ( supposedly it's best to do this while they become established ) but just as well we haven't had Jack Frost visiting yet - the few times I've given it a go a wee wind comes up & I'm running around catching floating ghost like cloths!

All my little native garden needs now is a Nick to come home & plant some grass seeds and a little Jordy to have fun playing around the grasses & fern

Postscript to Dora's Blog

2010-06-11T19:52:00.005+12:00

Here's the Australian Cover for the Book Thief...

We also have the UK version; I liked UK cover but something about the above drew me in. I haven't seen the US one, but I agree with D, US covers seem a bit non descript to me too.

When I was spoiling myself with The Girl with the Dragon Tatt00 series there were a couple of covers to choose from & I went in search for the cover I wanted to live with. It will be interesting to see which cover reflects best our interpretations after reading ( for D & me to discuss at later date )

In the meantime I am very happy having another superb Rose Tremain story to emerse myself in.

It doesn't really matter what the cover is as I know it will be just exactly right...

..a serene snapshot; autumn in Cevennes France..exactly how I imagine those regions to be.

My only gripe is that it has a truly ugly stamp advertising that Rose is; Author of The Road Home..winner of Orange Prize etc etc...When you have been an avid fan since the 1970's it seems almost an insult. But I often forget that I have been following favourite authors for decades and there's probably two generations out there catching up. So, nice for Rose that she has a younger membership.

And whatever the cover, it is always such a joy & wonderful connection that D&D share & love the same stories that I do.

Here's a little story that was first published in 1930.

I know there are lots of wonderful stories about trains out there ( Thomas series; Jordy's cousins can supply him for years ) but there's something really nice about passing down stories that remain with you forever...no matter how many decades. Although I had to order it, the wee story about the little train "thinking he can" still lives on. The cover is just how I remembered it, it's just been squashed down to DVD size. maybe just right for little hands!

Learning How To Relax

2010-05-28T18:11:00.010+12:00

Oh Dear... I think the "Missing Jordy" project caught up on me & maybe for the first time in my life I am being forced to slow down & take it easy.....No regrets though - at least I have a nice wee space to recupirate

It's just SO frustrating to have such good things happening around the place & all I can do is sit back & watch: This is the carport which is finished now but I didn't have any hand it at all..."cept watch & be amazed at the good workmanship, & marvel at the changes.

So, what do I do all day...well I had three days off work !!!! That's a BIG thing for me, cos I think I am indespensible & now that I know that life goes on without me, I have spent 2 weeks coming home early afternoon.

Lots of sleeping & watching DVD's & I have also soaked up lots of books.

My favourite author of all time is confirmed:

Joseph O'Connor. I know it's a hard call.

Rankin ( Scottish ) O'Connor ( Irish ) I know..doesn't need explaining does it.

My sort of Fab List: ( not in fav order )

Margraet Forster

Rose Tremain

Denise Mina ( new found Scottish Thriller writer )

William Boyd

Kate Atkinson

Sebastian Fawkes

Elizabeth Jane Howard

Andrew Taylor ( very Dickenson )

Michael Connelly

Robert Goddard ( not quite Dickens, but almost )

Ann Marie Mc Donald

If any one of above release a newy I am the first to start looking. Sometimes I feel like getting in contact & telling them to hurry up for the next one...

Of course this doesn't count all those wonderful novels we come across;

A FINE BALANCE

BLACK LIKE ME

TO KILL A MOTTINGBIRD

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

THE KITE RUNNER

UNDER AN ORANGE SUN

A BOY CALLED DAVID

etc etc

My collection of O'Connor comes from my travels. I don't know why he's not on NZ shelves, but it's quite nice to search him out when I'm away... I don't feel guilty at all purchasing a copy from far off lands. It's so much fun when I find one.

I first came across him while travelling through Ireland, then I found one in Vancouver, & two from Singapore. ( Sing has best Bookshops!)

I couldn't believe my luck a few afternoons ago when I came acoss a J O'Connor book at a local 2nd hand bookshop. $9. If I wasn't on half time I would never have come across it!!!! He's NEVER in our bookshops.

So"INISHOWEN" was added to my collection, and it is just the most perfect story...

A Thriller, a Love Story, a family story with a Human Heart, a bit of Irish history, funny...sad, a page turner...almost worth being unwell & a few restless nights bearable. Thankyou Mr. O'Connor!!

I'll have to read "STAR OF THE SEA" again to see which of the two wins!

Have watched all of MAD MEN series 2 - ADDICTIVE.

Lots of DVD's - the only memorable's -

No Man's Land

Boy A

Rachel's Wedding

Of Course no writer, or DVD can match the magic that is Jordy!!! I cannot tell you how many times I have watched my wee Grandson wake up in his cot & say Mamma Ma...reee. Such a buzz. Really & truly, D&D should have copy right & they could be very rich.

And then there's wee Jordy out & about on a wee walk ( such a giggle ) & then again testing his independance going downstairs; confidently saying "up" with each step, and then, after his big adventure in the bath, relaxed & happy, giggling away & pleased as punch that he can say "ah choo!"

I Love David's new phone even more than he does. The best thing about technology is that us far away Mamma's can keep in touch & not miss too many precious moments.

So: There's a wee snapshot of my life at the moment. Very minute. Very singular.

Bring on Bali!

Happy Mother's Day Dora

2010-05-09T17:58:00.002+12:00

Just a wee blog to acknowledge my beautiful DIL.
This photo of Dora kinda sums her up...whatever she is doing Dora puts her heart & soul into it & enjoys even the simplest little moments & I think that wee man on the right can't help but have some of that magic in his genes.
Dora, we are all very blesssed to have you in our lives.
Thankyou darling for being you.
xxx

"Missing Jordy" Project.

2010-03-26T20:23:00.015+13:00

These days it seems as though I have an extra limb ( in form of paintbrush! ) I have just about finished renovating sitting room & kitchen. When I haven't got a paintbrush in my hand I've got sandpaper ...or I'm at work. When I look about I can't believe I have achieved so much in just 6 or so weeks.

The reason for this early year project is this wee man...

Here's wee Jordy sleeping soundly with Sheepie at Dalmeny.

When the family left, after what will always be known as "best Xmas ever" it was just so so empty here.
So...the project began to fill up the lonely days & I'm really pleased with what's been achieved in such a short time.

My Majong friends think it's pretty cool too.

My favourite thing of all is my wee library. Rhys, Nick's friend made a WONDERFUL job of the bookcases and the window space between the kitchen & lounge. He's making a made to measure Sterio/TV unit for me too ( am VERY excited to see how it's going to turn out ) Having Rhys here to help with the building stuff has been Magic...almost like doing DYI with Nick.

Rhys made me wait for 3 whole days for the paint to dry before filling up the bookcases.

That morning it was almost like Xmas - I couldn't sleep for excitement & I was up at 6:30!

I hadn't planned to do kitchen but it just sort of happened. Me & my paintbrush just seem to keep going!

I haven't done behind the fridge yet cos I haven't worked out how to take the microwave down without the risk of breaking it but that can be for another day

There's enough to be going on with anyway.

Red Cupboards are now 1/2 Sisal. ( all day job! ) I haven't included anymore sitting room pix in this blog cos they're all on Picaso.

While this big project has been underway, the weather here has just been amazing...seems a shame that I've been stuck inside so many weekends and evenings but "you can't have your cake..& eat it too"

Mid week I had 5 friends round for dinner ( lamb casserole ) We had a great evening playing bananagram, & Francois, my friend who has returned from Paris bought me this absolutely fabulous poster. It's of the film PARIS, ( one of my fav films of all times ) I have just put it up & am already imagining a repaint job for my bedroom...a colour to go perfectly with poster! Oh dear..sad I know...Only a "Jordy Fix" will take me away from my paintbrush.....

.....just kidding...

For time out there has been nothing more satisfying than emerging myself into Steig Larson's "Millennium" Trilogy. I'm halfway through book 3 & will have to start thinking about what I'm going to replace reading time with. ( ...I see that Rose Tremain has got a new one out... ) Larson died before his trilogy became world renown best sellers, which seems to make the books all the more special. Just imagine , if say, P D James had only manged to publish 3 books!

Ode to wee Jordy

2010-01-05T11:16:00.003+13:00

Wee Jordy leaves NZ today and the little poem on my day calendar seemed as though it had been written especially for him...

The spirits sense me as a descendant on the shore
they call me to cradle of sand and sea
releasing the capsule of island in my blood
salt air goes down my throat as honeyed lemon.

Our love goes with you our wee sunshine boy

Forever & Always

x

Happy Travelling Wee Jordy...

2009-12-14T20:27:00.003+13:00

Your Mamma's got your warm jammies all ready...

Go well darling and see you SOON

P.S. if you see SANTA CLAUS & his reindeer up there in the sky, point him this way.

O.K.

xxx

Counting down

2009-11-20T20:03:00.012+13:00

This time, a month away, Dear Jordy, your Mama will be BURSTING...you will just about be touching down in Dunedin, and I bet, all you will want to see something fun!!
( you won't know that's me yet,)

so here's your wee bike which I'm sure will make you feel a wee bit at home. It's got wheels after all! It's also got a contraption to magically turn into a scooter too!

And then you'll see your Dad's favourite things. This is a very treasured collection Jordy, saved all these years, especially for you.

Now, I know you're a 2000 something wee boy, so even though your Dad's old favs will be fun, you'll be wanting some bells & whistles, so there's a few toys that friends have been keeping for special occassions ( that's you!) Your Mamma even bought batteries for this collection! When your Daddy was a wee boy battery toys weren't even invented. Well, if they were, I pretended they weren't!

We have been very lucky wee Jordy cos some of my friends think they may have some more children some day, so they have saved their favourite things and wee reap their hourding. Here's a really fun duvet cover and I will put this on Finnie's bed just in case you don't like the cot that's waiting for you.

But, I think you will Jordy. It's really good. Promise. Although it's a wee bit smaller than what you are used to it's very cosey & that's what you need here 'cos you never know what the weather's going to bring. Our temperatures are so much colder than what you are used to.

Anyway, this wee cot will make you feel as "snug as a bug" ( that's an NZ saying )

and we have snuggy pyjamas & hats & boots & jackets too. You will love being wrapped in "layers". That's what we do here to manage the changes in weather. It will be so much fun to introduce you to climate themes. Your Mama is very good at "all weather picnics"

Tell Mummy & Daddy "no worries" ( that's another NZ saying ) we will have it all sorted.

Some of the things here, you will find a bit strange, for sure: Like you will have blankets, & you can go straight outside without going in a lift!!!! yes, you can!!!! & wait till you walk up Mama's hill...that's really wierd.

But some of the things will be exactly the same. Everyone making sure you are getting your "tucker" ( that's another NZ saying)

Here's your throne wee Jordy. It has pride of place. Your Mamma can't imagine right now all the cooking & meals that will go on, but you can be sure they will. And you can watch it all from here so you won't miss out on ' all the going's on" ( that's another NZ saying )

Your Mamma is preparing Xmas Cake.

Your very First cos last year you were too wee... & couldn't even eat big things!

One year perhaps you'll be here to lick the bowl! That's the best bit.

Not long now wee Jordy & Guess What?

The best thing is that Santa knows EXACTLY where to find you..

xxx

Springtime

2009-11-11T19:19:00.002+13:00

Well, now that the painting is more or less done it's time to get into Garden mode.

Dunedin Springtime can be Four Seasons In One Day so we have to be extra vigilant in monitoring weather reports if we want to do outside stuff. I remember Dora was perplexed, when she first came to NZ as she couldn't understand why we kiwis were fixated on the weather. Well, she soon became as anal as the rest of us....perched in front of the tele...& calling to me in the kitchen..."Maree, the weather!" What we Southerners learn to do though, is just shrug our shoulders & get on with it.

So, I have begun my planting out for Summer although I am keeping tomato plants inside for just a little longer. The temperatures this November can range from 3 - 20 degrees in one day!

I have been shoveling horse manure into the garden & hopefully this weekend I'll be able to plant out some vegies ( maybe silverbeet, lettuces, rocket, strawberries ) I already have rubarb & radish growing. I'm not really a vegie grower, it's usually pot luck. All my roses are about to burst into flower though. Then I just have to hope that we don't have a huge downpour to spoil the show. I guess that's one of the nice things about gardening here...it keeps you always hoping for the best!

Anyway, I wonder what wee Jordy will think of all our seasons - I can just imagine his little concentration frown as he feels the air. And, I wonder what he'll think of the Lawnmower!!!!

We Begin our Winding Down....

2009-11-03T20:50:00.017+13:00

We are nearly over another busy busy year. Exams will soon be over and very soon 20,000 Students will go home for their Mum's & Dad's to look after them...or they will travel to far away places ( with advise & up to date innoculations given )
Dunedin will soon become it's usual Summer Ghost Town.

So, what better way to kick start our quieter times than Melbourne Cup Day.

We decided it would be fun to dress for the occassion

Everybody had turned out in best gear...some more outrageous than others...

Our male Docs especially would have done justice to any Cup Day event!

My ensemble was a very classy piece borrowed from Cousies.

After the race & drinks & pizza we had a quiz night & once again I was in the winning team!

The last round was Kiwiana & I even remembered the main characters on Playschool...( Nick & David's equivalent to Baby Einstein I suppose )

Little Ted

Big Ted

Jemima

Manu

Humpty

How about that.......!

We have a few social times planned over the next few weeks. We work exremely hard and this year has been especially challenging as we successfully managed pandemic situations. We have such a great team it's nice to celebrate & have fun together.

Preparations

2009-10-30T21:02:00.008+13:00

Nick's Room.

( will put Jordy's things in the dresser - Nick's things won't fit! )

D& D get my room ( best bed! )

no worries tho Nick, have new duck weather duvet & underlay woollen blanket. Only the best for my boys.

Jordy's Room...

Cot still to come...but his wee Dunedin weather outfits are almost ready.

So I am very busy these days. everyday is one day more to having my family here..

Jordy will be 16months!!!

& doing all sorts of new things, but I won't be too much suprised 'cos D&D have been So Wonderful keeping me up with the latest Jordy tricks.

I have a JR countdown at work & friends have donated so many things for Jordy...

pyjamas

sweaters

long trousers

warm t shirts

a cot

blankets

highchair

....

all these things are starting to trickle in...so much fun

Aunty Judy says we must have Lamb

And of course there will be Ham.

Only 41 sleeps...

& a few less for Nick's arrival.

2009-10-30T20:38:00.003+13:00

Now here's Jordy!!! After just a few months...
So many things he can do now...
Jordy is walking...running...catching ball...
He is mischievous...very...a wee goer...
He can say "cow" & "car"...
He watches his Mum & Dad as they sing "heads shoulders knees & toes"
He knows when to clap...( that's a genetic Auntie Judy Thing )
Jordy: your Mum & Dad share all your wee moments so eventhough I'm so far away I even know when you have a cold...
and of course you love your food
x

2009-10-30T19:12:00.003+13:00

This is the last delicious moment that Jordy & I had together.
June: and Jordy was 10months old.
He could do many things....
definately turn over book pages...
definately crawl...
nearly pick up his own food & feed himself...and Jordy
definately knows his Mama Maree can pat-a-pat him to sleep...

Visiting Jordy through Skype

2009-10-11T19:13:00.003+13:00

Look how much my wee Grandson's changing....Isn't he georgeous!

It was so so lovely to spend Jordy time yesterday. The Skype line was really clear so I watched as he trotted round his various wee places at home. I can't believe how fast he moves...Before now I had an idea, through photos, of his walking but to see it on cam was so much fun. He's very very fast, he kinda looked like that little boy in "Where the Wild Things Are" - This little white form would drift in & out & away again. I was too busy watching to grab a shot.

You can see how tall he is now from his the standing pose. He pulls out a book and turns the pages with such concentration - ah, what a boy!

He had a wee Baby Einstein time too cos he's cutting out his mid morning nap now so needs a wee "down" time to make it through to lunch.

So so cute...he watches intently, and then giggles delightfully when the wee character on the DVD pulls all his clothes off the bed. Jordy loves that bit & watches Dad to see if he thinks that bits the best part too. Mummy & Daddy rewind and another smile & then another giggle.

This wee boy is just blossoming.

Jordy, here's your Dad & Uncle Nick

2009-09-21T20:26:00.002+12:00

See....so much fun & mischief ahead! That's plaster your Daddy's covered in.
Crumbs, it doesn't seem that long ago at all!

Come on over Wee Jordy ....

2009-09-21T19:49:00.002+12:00

...there's lots for you to get into here!

I've just had a wee giggle to myself as I finish up again after another few hours of painting.
What fun that wee boy would have...just imagine!
Although his Dad and his Uncle Nick grew up with all this stuff around them 24/7 without too much mischief, NO WAY for my wee Grandson

It's really relaxing painting away, listening to the radio, almost as good as a walk, as long as I don't look about & notice all the other stuff that needs doing! However, Rome wasn't built in a day and these days I know my limitations.

It's only 12 more weeks till my wonderful family arrive & although the painting isn't specifically for them ( the windows, for instance, were in desperate need ) it's nice to have motivation for getting at least some things done. I mustn't forget to plant some strawberries for wee boy, radishes might be a bit strong for him yet....see how my mind's working...

Today, I put an email out to my work pals & I now have the loan of a cot & blankets, YES BLANKETS, Jordy, that's a word you don't know yet, and a Highchair, and I have a carseat ordered.... a friend has even offered some toys. We all think it's best to wait a few more weeks to see how much Jordy grows, but at the moment I am guessing size 2 to borrow winterish clothes.

And, oh yes, that's right...

a little cup...
a little bowl...
a little spoon...

Hope D&D remember his wee sleeping companion sheep...

I wonder if he needs a baby bath, he looks a bit big for that now, perhaps he can go in the bath??
Hmmm, better get a plug...

Oh, so much to look forward to.....&

I wonder where he'll want the Xmas Tree!

It's Warm Here at Dalmeny!

2009-08-16T09:18:00.006+12:00

Here is my new addition. Course Winter Proper is over now and this morning, as I write this, the sun is shining through so brightly that I have to turn the laptop round to see! But as all Dunedites know, we will continue to experience "cold fronts" through to December...and now Bring Them On I say! It has been so luxurious waking up to warm air ( I pretime it to come on before I wake up ) and this morning I was able to read in bed without my hands numbing up and having to rub them together before turning the page.

So wee Jordy come on over....it won't be as hot as Sing of course but we won't need to introduce you to Jack Frost. ( see, we experience such cold winters that we even have pet names for the cold! )

Anyway, I must just tell you about the book I finished this morning -

"No I Don't Want to Join A Bookclub" Virginia Ironside.

It's the diary of Marie, who is turning 60 and she is thrilled to be growing old...truly...she's not in denial....and, guess what! She falls in LOVE...with guess who?...Her little Grandson Gene!
Well, I feel such affinity with this woman that I want to ring her up!!! Invite her for a long weekend even.
Here's a little excert and you will see what I mean:

Just got back from babysitting Gene. He has a bouncing machine that hangs from the doorframe and spends about ten minutes in it at a time, leaping up and down and laughing, looking like a mixture of a leprechaun and Michael Flaherty.
He can now put a blanket over his head and take it off which I think is TREMENDOUSLY clever.
He has a little cloth book of animals and we go through it again and again, me making all the animal noises. The only one he can do is the fish noise which is a kind of "pu pu" sound made simply by opening and closing your mouth. I am overjoyed. I feel totally responsible for having taught Gene to read. I am bowled over by his brilliance.

Further on a little in the story, Marie is mortified to learn that this little favourite book is missing so she searches all through London for a copy...finally finding it and she is so overjoyed ( I can almost feel her elation! )...

I was so delighted by this that I had to find the saleswoman...and show her.
"When he gets to the fish bit" I said, expecting her to faint with admiration and call her colleagues over, asking me to repeat this amazing story, "he goes "pu pu"!"
"Oh really?" she said, edging away slightly.

O dear...I know for sure that EVERY assistant in the baby shops I have been in this past year have heard ALL about Jordy. I am slightly embarressed to admit that in one such shop the poor woman had me for Thee Whole Hours!

And again. here she is waiting for Gene to come over for the night..

I keep looking at his little cup and plate; Iv'e got all the toys out and his cot's all ready. I feel quite skippy inside, as if I had a new boyfriend coming over. How Jack & Chrissie ( parents ) will be able to cope without him for two days I don't know.

Hee hee. Isn't it just lovely. I know I shall be bursting butterflies when wee Jordy comes to stay. The diary isn't all about her & wee Grandson, but it's just such a wee one sitting gem and I had a smile on my face the whole time.

Well, it really is a fine sunny day so had better go and soak some of it up and I can even look forward to it turning cold later in the day as I'll be returning to a snug wee hoose. Yeahhhh!

Happy First Birthday My Darling Jordy!

2009-08-10T18:00:00.009+12:00

What a wonderful year it's been having wee Jordy in our lives. And eventhough I'm so far away I am so so lucky as the wee stories, & pictures, and now movies!!! keep me & family in touch with Jordy's progress. I have the bestest DIL in whole wide world for making this possible. Thankyou SO SO much Dora for sharing our wee man's day to day. I can't imagine my wee house now with out all the Jordy paraphernalia.

I know it could be said that I am a little biased, but our wee darling is especially lovely.
He is such an expressive little character and very definately his own wee self. It's canny though how much he reminds me of his Dad.

Here's a pix of D taken when he was almost the same age as Jordy is now.

That look of serious concentration and sturdy quietness when working things out, will be familiar now to those who know Jordy.

And wee Jordy is also showing he has his Mum's gift of sudden joyful laughter.

Just wonderful.

Well, if wee Jordy grows up to give a fraction of the joy that his Dad and his Mum has given us we will be very blessed indeed.

Congratulations D&D. A Grandma couldn't wish for more.

Finnie & Me & Celia Makes Three!

2009-07-18T18:50:00.006+12:00

Last weekend Margaret, Celia & I travelled down to Invercargill to celebrate Finney's Baptisim into our Holy Catholic Church.

Everytime Finnie & I get together, it's like we've never been away...we just slip into our own wee thing.
And It's really nice that Celia, ( standing in for Nick, as God Father ) is there to share in the goodnight things too

Counting Down till Next Time...

2009-07-06T21:01:00.011+12:00

It's hard to believe that just over a week ago I was with wee Jordy & too too busy having a good time to be blogging...

Now, here I am again back to cutting & pasting and being with Jordy via the computer & putting together all the wonderful photos I managed to capture ( over 200 + & most with JR )

It's a special wee journal that he will enjoy one day too as even though he's extra clever I'm sure he won't remember the very special holiday he had with his Mamma. And you can imagine how proud I am showing all the folks back here our little wonder. Jordy is everything & more....a very special little sunshine that will warm our hearts always.

I am very very blessed to have D&D. Thankyou so much for another wonderful magical time.

It's hard to believe that this wee boy is 21!!!!! How did that happen!!

It was freezing here on Saturday ( .2 must've been the high ) but the whanau had a lovely cosey evening together to celebrate Liam's special birthday & it was especially nice to have Auntie Maureen join us. We had lots of good laughs and A Maureen's stories were a great addition to all our usual yakety yak yak.

Bentan Here We Come! Maybe.....

2009-06-20T23:03:00.006+12:00

Well here's the little red case about to go on another journey and this time it has my little Grandson's necessities too.
Darling Dora is busy packing up all the must have baby stuff & I am reminded of all the packing for holidays with the boys. Thank goodness for throw away nappies I say.
Of course while all this packing's going on little Jordy is very happy just doing his usual late afternoon play.
He still takes a moment to come & say hello to old Granny though.

As we prepare for our holiday to Indonesia, Singapore has a few more confirmed cases of Swine Flu. Dora's Mum will not be able to spend all the days with us as strategies need to be implemented. It is a shame but hopefully there will be at least a couple of nights where us Grandmas can hang out together in our glorious stunning silk night gear. Dick too is unable to go as the time has coincided with the Asian Youth Games. We will miss his magic singing, as will wee JR but the rest of the family are coming and we will all meet at the Ferry early tomorrow morning. This trip will already be Jordy's 2nd overseas trip! Very soon he will be catching up with his Mamma's travel number & need a little red case of his own!

Postcard from Jordy to NZ Whanau

2009-06-17T22:32:00.009+12:00

Hi You Guys - hear you've had some snow...
Over here, us Dudes are trying to keep cool

Mummy & Mamma both love picnics and I'm enjoying them more & more...

I think everyone agrees that I'm more of an outdoor guy than a cafe chap.

My favourite place of all is home sweet home where I can just hang out & have my Kingdom Of Toys to reign over.

Or a wind down with a movie after another busy day

As you guys down South say, It's All Right Here!

Kiss Kiss gotta go to bed now cos I have another busy day tomorrow.

Here He Is!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-16T14:00:00.017+12:00

Day Three & I am totally immersed in Jordy time.
Little cherub is having his morning nap after breakfast & playtime. This wee boy should be an advertisment for Children's toys - I have never seen such concentration, every wee toy, or container or what ever, he likes to work out what to do, no flitting from thing to thing for him!

I arrived late on Sat evening just on Jordy's night time sleep so he gave me that anticipated frown of concentration that I knew he would and waited until the next morning to make Mama gushes and it wasn't long before he saw me as a big part of Jordy Fan Club. I no longer feel like pretend Grandmother! That first wee feel of his wee body was MAGIC! He is just so lovely.

Sunday morning and we are up and away early to hang out at Santosa. Oh...how delicious to have a big long swim then play in the sand with Jordy. I LOVE this place & so does wee Jordy. A peaceful walk along the seashore then back for nap for all of us. JR then wanted to show me his local playground.
His VERY BEST THING is anything WHEEL! Mummy & Daddy take him to so many interesting places which he takes in somberly but he always ends up like this......
Home again & wee JR has his own wee routines & even though he couldn't come to Lady Smith Black Mamboza with us he can always have wee concerts of his own at home.
The concert was just so so good. The harmony and the movements of these guys truly amazing. And I had THE BEST SEAT! How cool is that! We felt very special indeed in our VIP seats.

Yesterday, Monday, David had the day off so away early again for a trip to the zoo. This place is so good...for all ages. I can see wee JR will be making regular trips here cos he is now a member. Finnie wuld just LOVE this place.
Especially the Bats!!!!

Jordy just loves Daddy....
Afternoon nap then we spent a relaxing hour at another beach park, then JR beddie time again & Mama gets to practice her putting Jordie to bed skills.
Adult time & we relax eating yummy icecream & watching West Wing.
Gotta go now - it's Jordy Time!!!!! Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Two More Sleeps!

2009-06-11T18:21:00.005+12:00

Tonight I put my Jordy TV to bed as soon, very soon, I'll be seeing my wee Grandson in the flesh! If it hadn't been for the wonderful Camel Diaries I would be imagining Jordy as the little soul that I left last September but thanks to all the wee stories & pictures I feel I've almost been with him as he's grown these last 10months. Of course wee Jordy won't know me...but that's OK I'm already imagining that "daddy frown" he's going to give me...& then after a wee while, he'll be thinking "Oh goodie...another person who thinks I'm the bees knees!"
So out comes my trusty red case again. What a traveller I've become!! Who would have thought!
Have had a lovely day today & everythings gone well. The weather has been balmy....almost spring like, just perfect for doing all those last minute chores like washing. And it won't be such a contrast to Sing weather..( it's been 2 - 4 degrees for a week!!!!!!!!!)
And it's been a "good luck day" too -
Got a warrent for the car ( always a relief! )
Found my "Muttonbird" CD which I thought was gone forever when I cleaned out car!!
Tonight's my last night here as am flying up to CHCH tomorrow just in case there's frost & ice on the roads in the morn & it's nice not to have to get up at 4a.m as I usually do on this trip. ( Listen to me, big time traveller!! So as everyone's arriving in town for The All Blacks Vs France - I'll be leaving for exotic Singapore.
I can spend a relaxing afternoon at the Hotel which is just a few minutes drive from airport. AND it's got a swimming pool - might be too cold though, might just have to wait for Sing Swim Time. Jordy will show me his big splashes. Oh well, I can do some holiday reading as there won't be much of that going on with wee boy on the go! Can't wait!!! Dora can read all her books while me & Jordy hang out.
OK that's it...gotta go and paint my nails!! Next time I sign in it will be from Jordy's house!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Margaret

2009-06-03T22:15:00.006+12:00

Another 21st for Margaret
Good company, much laughter & yummy Turkish food.

Funny how we have celebrated decades & decades of birthdays together but don't seem to get any older at all!

Hmmm.....we didn't get to be Nurses but we did end up working in Health, as does Celia, and we do still love dressing up!

A Winter morning Visit to the Movies.

2009-06-01T16:54:00.006+12:00

Second only to "Jordy TV" this little French movie is my favourite so far this year.
It's theme is redemption, courage, empathy, & family. Kirsten Scott Thomas is AMAZING as a woman trying to regain her broken life. Her poise & somber elegance is perfectly matched by her younger sister's freshness & liveliness (Elisa Zylberstein ) The two sisters' lives were shattered 15 years before and the love & quiet respect that they give to each other is profoundly portayed.
All the actors are wonderful in this film...esp old Grandpa, and Juliette's little niece ( whose confidence & delightful spontaneity reminded me of DIL - or how she might have been as a little girl )
Emotional & beautiful to watch.
Highly recommended...see it if you can.

A Perfect Sunday

2009-04-26T18:54:00.010+12:00

It was another glorious day today, reaching 27 degrees!!!! We are supposedly coming in to winter...it is such a bonus to have the lovely weather continue.

After my usual walk to Ross Creek, I loaded up the car with pea straw and had a great time bedding the garden down for the winter ( if it ever comes! )

Then off to relax for the rest of the day..

Celia & I had a lovely lunch at Cafe Rue. There are so many places to "cafe" in here now & I've hardly been to any of them. As my wee Grandson seems to be a real Cafe Boy already I've a lot of catching up to do. So I am researching for his visits here & have quite a few places ready to go. As well as Cafes - The Dunedin Chinese Gardens is definately on the list of Must Dos.

The Gardens commemorate the contribution Chinese people have made, and continue to make to Dunedin history, culture & ongoing prosperity. They took over 8 years to make ( prefabricated in Shanghai ) and Celia & I picked a perfect day to visit. With the bright blue sky & warm gentle breeze we really felt in holiday mode.

The young man at the entrance was in Chinese Silk costume & I was dying to tell him how my wee Grandson had a suit exactly the same ( did he want to see a photo !) but I refrained -PROMISE! Celia knows me very well cos she knew exactly what was at the tip of my tongue! hee hee.

We could just imagine how Jordy will have such a wonderful time here giving us the run around. There are little bridges & granite mountains to climb & 2 wee boys were having a wonderful time in a little "hideout cave"

Like all Chinese Gardens it is a very peaceful serene place to spend time. Celia & I both bought a years pass. It will be beautiful in all weathers. Celia commented on how lovely it will be in the mist & it will be sureal to go in the twighlight. The Gardens are a wonderful asset for Dunedin and a credit to everyone involved.

Happy Birthday David

2009-04-19T17:05:00.003+12:00

Recognise the look of serious concentration! You were just a little older than wee Jordy is now.

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Finnigan's Catch

2009-04-17T21:02:00.008+12:00

The best thing about computers is that even though we're all so far away from each other we can keep in touch with just a touch of a button...

This is what my two favourite wee boys did:

Finnie had an AMAZING time at Hawea ..look at this little fisherman..

Here he is with 2 Salmon, no less & his Dad tells me Finn caught the BIG ONE!

Eat your hearts out Nick & David, you never managed such a catch! But perhaps Finn will help you out & give you some pointers on your next visit home.

Well done Finnie!!!

This is what wee JR did... ( taken from Dora's blog )

1. Sprouted a little tooth on his bottom gum

2. Pulled himself to standing in his cot, and against various pieces of furniture

3. Started babbling and talking throughout the day - he can say "dadada", "tatata", "mamama", "gagaga", "wawawa", "bababa", and he uses these interchangeably throughout the day. From once a silent baby, he is now a regular little talk show host wannabe. This happened almost overnight!

4. Become a lot more personable and is more interested in other humans

!5. Developed leg muscles in a big way! He walked on the entire balance beam at Gymboree (while supported by Granddad), and can even stand by himself for a heart-stopping moment in the bath.

D&D also took JR on his first "overseas" holiday to Malacca...( I am sure he would have had to use his Passport here & can't wait to see the stamp ) Finn, Malacca is in Malaysia - see if it's on your globe.

D&D also took JR to Singapore's famous ZOO. It was such a HIT they stayed for 5 hours!!! He Loved it so much his Mum & Dad are going to buy a Family Yearly Pass. Hey Finnie, you & me will go there with him one day eh. Bet he didn't go into the BIG BLACK BAT part!

And hey Finnie: Wee JR can't catch the BIG ONE yet eh...so much to look forward to. You will show your wee cousie how Southern Man does the big outdoors one day soon!

P.S. Tell your Mum that her wee Great Nephew LOVES shopping & always has his eye out for a bargain!

"It's All Right Here"

2009-04-15T19:31:00.011+12:00

Well...the beautiful weather continued right through the long weekend allowing the - stay - at homes to enjoy Dunedin at it's finest. Managed to do a huge clean up in the garden and still have lots of time to be out and about enjoying the days.

Traditionally, Easter is about family & I miss my family very very much, especially on the long weekends. It's great that Cousie Celia is another stay-at-home these hols & we could hangout together. Celia also spends a lot of walking time at Ross Creek but usually we go at different times and tracks to each other so it was nice to do the walk together.
And when the sun went down ( about 6:30ish now that Daylight Saving's finished ) there was still my books & movies to keep me entertained:

"The Reader" ...I didn't read any revues but my interpretation is a really thought provoking "coming of age" theme...a young boy's first love doesn't quite change the course of his life but the relationship will have a profound effect on him, haunting him for the rest of his life. Well worth it.

"Prague" - WONDERFUL , the very watchable Mads Mikkelsen & beautiful Prague all in one movie &

"Paris" - the very beautiful Juliette Binoche ( even wearing the most dowdy clothes & hairstyle of any French Woman I have yet seen, she still manages to look amazing ) & Romain Duris (who is all grown up now but still portrays, what I can only describe as a "sohisticated innocence" that he managed in "Spanish Apartment" & "Russian Dolls") both star in a beautiful movie set in the magic that is Paris. All the movies set in Paris are wonderful, but this one will join my Best Movie List. It is about Seizing The Day but I won't say anymore cos You just HAVE to see it. And, I recognised the Paris of my memories - an extra bonus!!! Rave Rave Rave!!!

And when all movied out "Shantaram" has kept me riveted. It's a real dinkam page turner, not the plot, although it does have a "whatever's going to happen next" thriller enthrallment...it's the characters that are compelling. All the more so because the story & the people are real. I have had this copy sitting on my shelf for a wee while now, it was given to me by friends who have had to return to England for life saving Cancer treatment that Oliver can't get here, so the book is a special one in a personal regard too. I am so glad I picked it up!

So...that's Easter over for another year...and not ONE Easter Egg eaten, Oh Dear, how SAD is that!

But hey! Only two more days & it's the weekend again!!!!

Yehhhh!

Easter Relaxation & Inspiration

2009-04-11T18:30:00.004+12:00

Leading up to our much needed long Easter Break was bleak...cold chilly mornings when we are reminded that winter is not too far away...3deg some mornings already, so I was prepared for a DVD/book weekend...maybe cleaning out cupboards, that sort of thing, but wakening on Good Friday...Suprise Suprise...a reprieve. It was BEAUTIFUL. Very blue clear as only Dunedin can be.

A wee walk around the block to the Gardens to catch the magic of the day, and to maybe get inspitation to do my big garden clean up that is much needed before winter sets in hard.

The colours are beautiful & the inspitation came...I was up at daybreak this morning and into the garden & wondering about which bulbs might be best to bed down for Springtime.
After 3 hours of hard digging & clearing it was great to spend the rest of the day shopping and lunching with Celia, after all it is a Holiday and there's still another day tomorrow...( if the weather holds!)

Connections

2009-03-20T19:15:00.006+13:00

Here's my friend Jakie who took time to include me in her travels in NZ.
Jakie is Nick's good friend in Vancouver ...& she loves him almost as much as I do...
It is so heartwarming to talk about Nick..yaketi yak yak...
and the extra bonus was Lisa

Lisa is Mum of Clark who is just a few days younger than Jordy & although I didn't meet Clark I already know so much about him....yaketi yak yak

24 hours.. & we are friends for life.
Go well Jakie & Lisa

Hmmm Where Would You Rather Be?

2009-03-05T19:46:00.005+13:00

A Day at the beach in South Korea

Time out at my local....
Incredible!

Another beautiful 27deg today and a walk along the beach is the perfect ending to a March Day. Although warm, the air felt soft - I don't suppose it feels that way in South Korea! Good old Dunedin eh...the World's best kept secret!

The Start of Another Working Week!

2009-03-02T20:16:00.004+13:00

......"these boots are made for walking"...
& all I need to get rid of the Monday Blues is my little MP3 player & away I go...

Course it helps that it's finally stopped raining and we still have a few more weeks of Daylight Saving to enjoy!

Millions of Memories

2009-02-15T18:56:00.009+13:00

My little Grandson sent me a parcel this week. It was so lovely to see his full name on the package: Jordan Ross Turner Ye Jie ( He had even written his last name in Chinese Scribe but alas my computer doesn't do that yet. ) The parcel was SO big I thought he must have sent over his little music centre for me to play with! But no, he knew exactly what his Mama Maree would like. Real "old style" photos and a little " new style" machine that has so many pictures of his first 6 months programmed into its memory! His besotted Grandma can sit and delight in her little boy whenever she wants! Even at work! It's so much fun. At work I put it in calendar mode so it's sort of disguised as "office equipment" and here at home I have it on Slideshow Full Screen. I can also put in my own camera disc so I can add Nick & Finnie to my very special TV!!!

How Wonderful! Thankyou so much little Jordy.

Today I especially thought of you as Celia & I enjoyed a couple of hours at a Family Day Concert at the Gardens.
Check this wee fire engine out...isn't it great. In a few more months you would just LOVE to have a ride on this. See, it's called Little Flick. I'll teach you the song one day! Your big cousins would love this already.

It was a lovely sunny blue afternoon, one of those special Dunedin days, just right . And it was nice to see so many families out & about enjoying the day.

I am reminded how lucky we are....this pix was taken exactly a week ago from my home. The sky had an amazing purple haze and the air felt thick. The Australian Fires. So many families who have lost loved ones and everything they own. And their photos of memories gone forever.

Visiting Jordy

2009-02-08T18:49:00.006+13:00

Hi Mama - I want to show you what I can do on my Music Centre - I'm really good & as you can see a real showman! And now it's story time - hang on a mo and I'll just turn the page...your going to love this one..
Crumbs...this story's a real page turner...
Mama also watched me have some advocado followed by prunes & then I did some real good workouts on the floor ( nah - that's right - not on my baby mat - had further places to explore this time ) so did some real good push arounds and Mama was so astonished at the way my little legs were pulling me around and about that she missed the shot! Ah well - next time Mama eh.
Copyright by Webcam.
Catcha next time folks

A Special Day

2009-02-08T11:43:00.014+13:00

Feb 6 is a Public Holiday to celebrate the Treaty of Waitangi. Historically this day has been significant in raising awareness of Treaty obligations...Now, in 2009, I think New Zealand can feel proud, that although a true partnership between Maori & the Crown has not yet been achieved, Maori values have become increasingly incorporated into our society and Treaty obligations continue to be addressed. We can at last begin to feel comfortable in claiming this as our National Day.

But Feb 6 has it's own special significance for our family. It is Dad's birthday and the Anniversary of Mum's death. It is nice to have the day off work - to take a trip out to the Cemetary.

And although we can't lay claim to "Ross" Creek I feel it is appropriate to spend some time there.

A nice quiet stroll through the bush and you climb a little way to come out onto the resevour. It's always very picturesque pretty.

It's nice to walk right around the water and remember the times when we had to keep Millie away from the ducks!

Then back down the hill to Woodhaugh.
Can't wait to take wee Jordy here!

A Grandma's Lament

2009-01-16T21:44:00.007+13:00

As I reflect on 53 years ... this wee snapshot is my favourite...

.....and this is too!!!

In the words of Eric Clapton....

"Plant your love.... In the sun, the rain , the snow...

Love is Lovely.....

Let it Blossom....Let it Flow....

Plant your love & Let it Grow....

Indeed it has!

A Dream Come True. More than I could ever imagined!

Thanks to 2 No 1 Sons! ( & Dora best DIL EVER ! )

Big Day Out

2008-12-29T21:46:00.007+13:00

We started early at the Butterfly Farm - Margaret & I were immediately reminded of Singapore as we stepped into a blast of warm temp and now Finnie has some idea of tropical heat.
There was lots to discover at the Museum as well as outside - Finnie loved the sound waves.

And how about this for a little "Time Out" I never thought I'd see the day!!!!!!

Then home for a much needed "chill out" ( by now it was 30 degrees - 2nd day in a row! )

Then Nick Nack came home and it was into the wetsuits and away.....

That little boy was sound asleep after just a little tickle tonight!

Everyone's Goin Surfing...

2008-12-28T20:58:00.006+13:00

Nick say's his wee buddy is a NATURAL.
This kid was surfing for over 4 Hours today!

and yesterday he hung out chasing the waves with one of the best - one of Nick's old mates from school days, Paul Cooper who used to surf for New Zealand
He'd still be out there now if he could! Cousin Nick & Auntie Maree couldn't believe his stamina! Just amazing.

Nick Could Build Rome In A Day!

2008-12-21T20:06:00.006+13:00

Here's Nick crawling about in the ceiling putting in bats to keep his Mum nice and warm in the winter. It's a devil of a job in any house but especially so here as my roof is flat -not much room to move around. And as soon as he'd finished that he was down in the basemement stapling insulation to insulate the basement so the draughts won't come through. So Jordy will be nice & cosey when he comes to stay.
Then off he trotted to the DIY store to pick up handyman bits & bobs and picked up a water blaster on the way home. ( That one didn't work so back he went again and came home with a big noisy commercial one....and boy, has that worked well - That's been my job today and it's really satisfying to have the wee house looking sparkly. Nick thinks that this is the preparation for the paint job he's going to do .....as well as replace some rotten window frames...and cut down big bushes...and scrub the moss out on the spoutings....and fit in a trip down South for Xmas...and maybe have a look at Central before he flies out New Years Day!!!! hmmm Nick's 2nd in command is Wayne. These boys have been great pals since Playcentre so that's over thirty years now and wee Connor loves coming to hang out with Uncle Nick. Wayne's lent us his trailor for a couple of days so I'm grabbing this opportunity to throw all the junk out that's been accumulating for the last wee while. ( Nothing of your's David - promise! )
Alas, we didn't have time for Jordy TV but we did manage Jordy Radio. Honestly that wee boy was chatting away to me like a regular Irishman - It was so so funny...I'd ask him a wee question and then he would babble babble babble...another question....babble babble babble. And I had his photo propped up in front of me so it was almost Jordy TV. David & Dora said that they were with Nick & I in spirit as we beavered away but think they know they have the right idea on how to spend a Sunday!
But I am so so amazed at Nick's stamina and get up and go.....and he's nearly as old as me now too ( hee hee )

Time Flies!

2008-12-19T21:24:00.008+13:00

Nick has been home now for 3 sleeps..and I must not count down the little time he is here. Isn't it ironic that one of wee Jordy's fav places to be is at an airport. It doesn't really seem that long ago that it was the back door that I greeted and farewelled my two wee boys but for at least two decades it is airports that has brought us together.

Nick & I have spent a wee time sorting out STUFF from the basement - & there are a few Tshirts that are saved just for their stories...there is a wee shirt we found just for Jordy..

A Challenge for Jordie...from what we can gather from the wonderful photos your wee personality shows much potential!

And how wonderful to have real photos of the latest addition to add to our wall of fame!

One More Sleep!

2008-12-15T18:53:00.003+13:00

Now....if I wonder if I can remember how to make a meal with this stuff!
Well, there's always the big box of Weetbix he can fill up on....and surely I can remember how to cook potatoes! ( ok Dora & David don't even mention the fail safe rice cooker!! )

3 more sleeps & I'm Not Talking About Santa!

2008-12-13T19:59:00.002+13:00

Well, I know we're supposed to be thinking Ecological but I still love the smell of pine and this wee tree was already cut down. The tree sale was a fundraiser for Oxam so I can enjoy easy. Hmm... it was a "wee" tree when I chose it from all the others but it looks pretty big now that it's in the house.
It's been almost 3 years since Nick's been home - he won't find much changed 'cept perhaps that there's heaps of photos of a wee bub all around the place!

Watch Out Graham Henry!!!!!

2008-12-09T19:58:00.011+13:00

If you look very closely at the back row and focus on the big smiley face with the red hat right in the middle, that's my Nick! Another Championship!! And just look at the size of that cup! Well done darling...
( you have to excuse wee photo - I downloaded from Nick's email )
It is really strange posting all these photos of my family that I haven't taken myself! But if I do this it is almost as if I was there!
And Crumbs, I am SO proud. And wanted to be the first to spread the news!
Two Number One Sons!!!!
And now that the job's done start packing Nick -Home is calling - only 6 more sleeps! Yeahhh - can't wait!

Jordy Reads His Grandma a Story!

2008-12-07T17:54:00.006+13:00

Here is a pix I took through video web of my wee Grandson today. Hey pet lamb I thought it was Mama Maree who is supposed to be reading YOU the stories!

Today's link was very clear and I had precious moments watching Jordy play in his little toy machine, do a real good "workout" on his playmat ( even heard his big grunts as he endeavered to do big push ups - am very impressed! ) then it was time for quiet reading time! Honestly, this wee boy has been here before for sure! You should see his face as he looks over the page with great concentration and then he very carefully turns to the next page! And he's not 4months till next week!

Then it was time for wee JR's feed as he was going to have a busy afternoon at the Mall finishing off his Xmas shopping and there is no way this little man was going to do that on an empty tum.

So it seems everyone is now getting ready for the countdown to Xmas - these little fellows are going out to my team at work -

It is only 9 sleeps till Nick comes home so I am thinking I'd better be filling the cupboards!

Got up really early to make the Xmas Cake cos it takes ages to bake and had other things to do today

I felt very pleased with myself accomplishing all the creaming and the beating by 7:30a.m. and then just as I was popping it in the oven I remembered that it's David that loves the Xmas Cake....not Nick Nack....Oh well I'm sure he'll appreciate the thought and he might be pleased for a wee bite to keep his energy up during his busy two week holiday!
Now all I have to do is decorate it and must find a Xmas Tree.....no Ikea here - might have to go out yonder with an axe!

Mah Jong Evenings

2008-12-04T19:45:00.011+13:00

Every wee while Jenny, Libby, Cath & I get together to spend a few hours playing Mah Jong. It's a good chance to catch up with each other and a wonderful way to relax after a hard working day. We've been playing for a couple of years now and my friends are very patient with me as I struggle with my Pungs & my Chows - the Winds and the Dragons.
Last night I was very excited as I thought I was producing a winner - ( I've taken out the tile that didn't quite fit anywhere! ) You can see I was almost there!

My Singapore Family would think us hilarious as this game is supposed to be very fast but I have to admit that sometimes we even forget whose turn it is! Still, the chatter and the friendship runs freely. And one day, who knows, one day I may call "Mah Jong" and it will be true!

Jordy TV Time

2008-11-23T19:40:00.005+13:00

A big part of my weekend now is to link up with Jordy and his Mum & Dad through the wee web camera and of course I want to be able to share this with my family here. Last weekend it was with the Buckleys way down South and today I took my tech gear over to Andy Bay so Celia & Margaret could catch wee Jordy "live"
Pre set up David sends a text ..."Jordy TV time???" and then when we're all set another text comes through..."go" and then if all's well we get to see wee darling looking adorable and moving his wee limbs all about. It's really fun.
But, here in NZ the Broadband isn't so good and the reception can sometimes be a bit hit & miss. We really need John Keyes to quit sorting out world finance problems in Peru and get back here and sort out our Broadband problems so all the kiwi Grandma's can catch up with their whanau who are scattered about the world. Priority - I'm sure you'll agree!
Today's link was a no goer. We did manage to have a little glimpse of Jordy in his new play walker but mainly Singapore could see us and all we could manage was a blank screen. Disappointing, but we managed to have good conversations and even hear wee Jordie making cute noises. And of course there's always Dora's wonderful blog site to go to.

Visiting Finnie Part 2

2008-11-16T20:31:00.008+13:00

To celebrate my visit we had dinner guests for tea. Finnie's little friends, the Mushabelly Family had heard all about Judy's Roast Chicken and had been anticipating an invitation to Alice Street eagerly. I must say, they have impicable table manners and were the bestest of guests!

Because there were so many of us we had to have two sittings

And one of us just had to wait for all the sittings to be all finished!

This morning we had a lovely walk through Invercargill's best attraction - Queens Gardens. It was especially beautiful in the light drizzle. Millie enjoyed it too and now that she is much older and wiser we can even take a stroll through the duck pond and Old Milly just has fleeting memories of the olden days when we would be struggling with her not to jump in for a good old chase.

Then it was back home in time for "Jordy T.V." It was really great to have Finnnie & Co link up with wee Jordy. And I'm sure it won't be too long before Finn & Jordy have their own wee chat room.
So, a truly lovely weekend.

Happy 8th Birthday Darling Finnie xxx

Visiting Finnie

2008-11-15T17:14:00.008+13:00

Travelling down to Invercargil last night reminded me of Singapore's heat...it was a very very warm 28 degrees which is so unusual at this time year. In fact, let's face it...any time of year here! Everyone else must've been barbecueing as for most of the way I seemed to have the road to myself. So with Pheonix Foundation playing loudly and vast views of the lushness that is Southland the trip went well.
Finnie was out on the road waiting for me and I can't believe how much he's grown in the last few months. He just LOVES his new Levi T Shirt that D&D & Jordy sent him for 8th Birthday. It really is THE BOMB! ( that's the new lingo for Really Cool!)

We awoke this morning and were SO excited to still be experiencing the heat wave so started organising ourselves for a picnic at Riverton. Smoked salmon & cream cheese sandwiches went into the chiller...and of course the traditional egg sammies...togs were found....towels....sunscreen...beach chairs, two wee boys with their favourite MushaBelly companions, Auntie, Mummy & Daddy and of course Magnificant Millie were all packed into the car and off we set on our journey.

Well...here's a question from Quiz Master Judy... What usually happens when you plan a Picnic in November??...You guessed it...the brilliant morning sunshine disappeared, the wind came up but we did the kiwi thing and just enjoyed it anyway. Here we are at the lovely Riverton Barbecue area...check out the 4 star facility!

And it is SO lovely to be with Family again.

And look...this place is so child friendly it even has a nappy changing room!

How Amazing Is This!

2008-11-02T19:11:00.007+13:00

Here is a snapshot I took of my beautiful Son & Grandson from all these thousand of miles away!
David & Dora sent me video camera so we can have Jordy TV together and I can take my very own photos of him. How Incredible.
Yesterday I watched him waving his wee hands and legs around on the playmat and sitting up on the couch. He is so alert for a wee bub and looks so adorable. I can't believe how much he is changing everday. Jordy TV is definately going to be something to look forward to and I'm sure it won't be too long before I can read him wee stories.

It has been a beautiful 23 degrees here today - very blue bright & still.
My Sunday walking legs took me to Woodhaugh Gardens and I couldn't resist showing Jordy the swings that he can use when he comes over!

Jordy, see how there's all different sizes so it won't matter how little or how big you are, there'll always be a swing just for you!

We can stroll a little bit further to feed the ducks. Here they just love little children throwing them bits of stale bread. Being Singaporean, you probably won't have developed a taste for bread, so you won't mind sharing your bread with the ducks at all!

Then, if there's still time before afternoon nap time we can wonder along the Leith Valley and there's a track that will take us right through to Ross Creek. That's real bushy and quite lovely and of course it's got a great name!
After a big walk like this we can reward ourselves with icecream from the Woodhaugh Diary. Mummy & Daddy will tell you that our icecream is the best in the whole wide world.

Surf's Up.

2008-10-27T20:07:00.003+13:00

Jordy, see this white stuff....it's called SURF, and it's real fun. You run into the freezing cold of the Pacific Ocean, and you squeal really loudly, and then you run back onto the sand and then you do it all again...and again...and again! Your wee cousins have done this when they were here in Dunedin for your Mummy & Daddy's wedding. I can't wait for you to try this out too. The louder you squeal, the more fun it is.
Your Uncle Nick does big boy stuff with this white stuff...that's called SURFING. He'll be sure to show you how to do this when you're a big boy.

This is one end of our beach .....

And this is the other end. It is very very beautiful and I love walking along from one end to the other in all weathers. This morning was a "corker" ( that's a word we use here for something good ) It's Labour Weekend ( that's a day to celebrate work & all the workers get a holiday - well except those that work in shops, for some reason they have to be at work cos people love shopping and they like to go shopping on a holiday weekend ) See how there's no people in the picture? Well, they're all shopping! Not me! I'm at the beach!

When you reach one end there's a lot of wee water pools and sometimes you can see wee crabs. They're not big enough to catch for Grandpa Ukelele's favourite Chilli Crab dish though so I just sit for awhile watching them. You're just going to LOVE this place Jordy, and guess what! Every day at the beach ends with a Fish & Chip Picnic....ahhh, now Fish & Chips...that's another story....

My Backyard Part 2

2008-10-26T15:22:00.001+13:00

This wee Rhodie really is in my backyard! David bought me this one when I first moved into Dalmeny ( and Nick bought me a white one, but it's finished flowering now ) The little bush is taking awhile to grow but it's very pretty and by the time Jordy's tree climbing age, it'll be just the right size for him!

My Backyard!

2008-10-26T14:58:00.002+13:00

Last night the hailstorms were beating against the window and it seemed it might be another indoors day today but the morning was turning into a beautiful spring day so thought it a good chance to have a wee wonder through the top part of the Gardens where, if the hailstorm hadn't ruined them, the Rhodadendrams and Azaelas would be at their best. I am very lucky as it's a only a short 10 minutes away from my house and the walk up to the top is always beautiful

Sure enough, when I reached the top, the colours were breathtaking, the whole scene looking a little like a monet painting.
Once again, there was no one else about....( what do other people do on Sunday mornings! )

I've been wondering these gardens now for half a century.... Mum used to take us sometimes to feed the ducks and one of my earliest memories was Dad taking Judy & I on the bus to the Gardens one day to show us that our wee budgie was very happy in his new home with all his friends at the bird sanctury! We had left the cage door open for too long and were very upset that he was lost.
As a teenager I enjoyed biking here from South Dunedin and then when the boys were wee this was one of my favourite places to take them. And it's really nice to be in a place where youv'e been able to watch the trees grow slowly. I remember when the Azaeala Garden was first planted out and now it's world renoun.

And now when I walk the top way home I pass Nick's Castle On The Hill, looking very grand indeed standing in the sunshine. Maybe one day soon, after my Sunday walk, I'll pop in and he'll have lunch on the table for his old Ma!

The Little Photo that got Left Behind!

2008-10-21T21:21:00.001+13:00

Don't ask me why - but it had to be somewhere so now it's got it's very own blog spot!

It's Official I'm Addicted To Blogging!

2008-10-21T21:01:00.002+13:00

For the past few nights I've been trying unsuccessfully to post a few pix from my trip to Auckland but it's taken me as many hours as it took to fly there! Emailed Blog Expert Grandpa Ukelele and even his clear instructions didn't help - my images just kept turning into gobbledeedook but he did advise me not to pull my hair out, and since I spend quite a bit of money trying to keep it groomed I decided I should take his advise. To Keep trying....so I am posting this through Picasa and still not sure if it will work! Aleady the photos are proving a challenge!

Anyway - on with my story.
I now know I am truly addicted to my D.I.L's wonderful blogging cos 4 days away from tuning in was very hard. All the way home I was anticipating turning on the lap top and as soon as I arrived home I was hoping to catch up on wee Jordy's days. Sure enough there he was beaming away as he watched his daddy dance, and then looking adorable at his wee outing to the beach. So WONDERFUL! And I can't believe how much he changes day to day. Honestly, I can't express how much pleasure Dora's writing gives me. ( No pressure darling - heehee - I really don't expect one every day. Promise. )

So Auckland...
Our conference was at Takapuna, and it was a little visit through memory lane. We lived there when Nick was just a wee baby, not much older than Jordy is now and I couldn't believe that the Ownership Block where we lived was still exactly the same. Nick & I used to spend all our days walking through Takapuna to the beach. And the beach is still lovely. The weather was unexpectadley cold but it was still nice to walk along the sand reliving those times when my life revolved around my delightful little baby.

Rangitoto In the Distance

It was a great Conference with lots of very good speakers, but in between learning how to be motivated, and not have a morning cuppa until I've swum 10 laps every morning, how to recognise bullying in the workplace, how to fire someone, how to recognise my personality type and how to be a humble manager I took a break during the "how to find true happiness" session and took a bus ride into greater Auckland to visit two of my favourite shops: Boarders and Groovy Records. True Happiness Indeed!!! Especially as Boarders was having a 40% sale. House of Cards & The Complete Series of Cracker should see me through any chilly spring nights and I was in very True Happiness Mode when the helpful man at Groovy Records found me Spanish Apartment! Groovy Records hadn't changed in 34 years either although it is now going into recevership. Let's hope someone can take it over cos it's an old NZ icon.

Then back to the Conference to find out how Changing Your Style of Clothes can Change Your Life! We also had two very fun nights dining & dancing. And I still managed to catch up with my good friend Robyn.

So, as Conferences go, it was a very successful time but it was so good getting home to tune into all wee Jordy's happenings.

Well, am about to push the Publish Post Button and if it doesn't work I promise not to pull my hair out! Dora has set a good example. If a busy mum can take the time, so can an old Granny!

The Little Red Case Part 2

2008-10-15T22:05:00.004+13:00

This is Mama Maree's Little Red Case in U.S.A.

This is Uncle Nick's travelling gear in the U.S.A.

You can imagine the stories my little red case could tell!

The Little Red Case

2008-10-15T18:38:00.006+13:00

Not even two years old, this little red case has travelled far!

San Francisco, then across the vast Desert Highway to Los Vegas, it's even been to Hollywood!
Vancouver, Vietnam, Singapore ( twice already - it can almost find it's own way there! ) and here in New Zealand, Central Otago and of course Invercargill.

Tonight it's getting ready to go to Auckland for a few days as I'm off for a 4 day conference. I haven't been to Auckland for years so I guess I'll see a few changes. Hopefully I'll get time to catch up with my good friend Robyn who I worked with for many years.

Work Trips are a great chance to catch up with friends and family. Judy was up in Dunedin yesterday for a work meeting and we caught up last night. At last I was able to share my wonderful photos of her wee great nephew....I even did a blog showing as Jude is a stranger to blogging. I have written down our sites to give to Finnie....maybe he'll show Mummy how easy it is! She just LOVED all the photos and just thinks Jordy is beautiful and thinks what a great Mum & Dad he has.

I'd better go and pack that wee case. I remember in past life I would have been packed at least two weeks before a trip. Now I'm such a seasoned traveller it's all done at the last minute! Must remember to pack the camera...

"Hooked On A Feeling"

2008-10-12T17:45:00.013+13:00

This morning was too lovely to not be out enjoying the day so with my trusty best mate i.e my MP 3 player switched to one of my very favourite songs - "More Than A Feeling" ( and singing my own version - "Hooked on a Feeling" I set off to Signal Hill lookout.

The climb up my hill was just the beginning of the steep climb to my destination and by the time I was half way up my wee player started playing "Eight Miles High" which seemed very appropriate. I passed a wee Asian fellow attempting to cycle up and gave him the thumbs up as encouragement cos he looked as though he was finding the going quite tough.

When I'd nearly reached the top I was heartened to see a young couple pushing their little toddler in a pushchair coming back down the hill. I really wanted to take their photo to show D&D that this is something we can do with Jordy when he comes over - but promise I didn't - that wouldv'e been just too cheeky!

The walk was well worth it. Due to the haze the pix aren't very clear but the view was magic. It was very still and best of all I had this beautiful spot all to myself. So I sat for awhile just reflecting on this beautiful city and how lucky I am to be able to enjoy it.

On the way down the views were incredibly beautiful too and I passed my wee Asian friend who had left his bike somewhere and was going to make it to the top by foot. I was pleased he was going to get to the top after all.

I was still "hooked on a good feeling" for the rest of the day and managed to get the lawns done and the car washed no prob..... and relax with my cousies at Andy Bay, it's amazing how a wee walk on a beautiful day can blow away the cobwebs of the working week!

Re Introducing Finnigan Ross Buckley

2008-10-08T18:42:00.006+13:00

There is one wee lad here at the bottom end of New Zealand who can't wait to meet his little cousin Jordy. Finnie has been the "baby" of our family now for nearly eight years and he really likes the idea that a real wee babe has joined the clan.

Finnie lives a long 3 hour drive away from me, so especially in the winter, when the roads here are quite challenging, I don't get to see him as often as I'd like but we have lots of chats on the phone and last night he was very keen to hear all about Jordy....

".......Auntie Maree how old will Jordy be when I'm 12?" ( this is the age that Finn plans to be when he visits Singapore ) - ( I could almost see him picturing this idea in his head and how his holiday might pan out! )

".......Auntie Maree how old will Jordy be when I'm 15?" -me - nearly the age you are now - ( ah, I could hear him thinking ...that sounds workable! )

".......Really! " he comes back with very excited, " then I can take him to the pictures....I hope he'll like action movies like me cos they're my favourites, and do you think he'll like playstations!"

".......Auntie Maree, what about when I'm 18 and I'll probably have a car and I can take him for drives" I think he loved the idea of this visit best of all!

Finnie, being David & Nick's 1st cousin is of course Jordy's 2nd cousin but we have told him Singapore's culture whereby older people are referred to as "Uncle." He thinks being called Uncle would be "really cool!"

I told Finnie that when Jordy is a little older it would be nice for me to get a special connection to my computer so I could read my wee Grandson a bedtime story but that I would have to stay up really late cos of the big time difference in Sing. Finnie came up with a solution straight away -

".......Auntie Maree, you don't have to stay up late 'cos Jordy will still have to have an afternoon nap for ages & ages and you can read the bedtime story then, you can just tell him it's night time cos he won't know!"

What a bright little button.

Finnigan & I are now counting down for Big Nick's arrival at Xmas. He still talks about the wonderful times he had when David & Dora visited last Xmas. He loved being out and about enjoying the great outdoors with his cousies. He especially loved playing the piano with Dora. He hasn't seen Nick for well over two years and he's betting that Nick won't be able to pick him up any more, now that he's nearly 8! I told him not to bet on it.

Finnigan thinks wee Jordy is "really cute" and he loves that they both have the same middle name. He thinks that's really special - as is my darling Finnigan. The best nephew in the whole wide world.

Thank Goodness for Technology

2008-10-03T20:54:00.005+13:00

It has now been 13 days ( and 5.2 hrs ) since I have held wee Jordie, but thanks to technology I know that he is growing ... wearing the wee sun hat that didn't fit him a wee while ago.. .almost smiling...taking trips to places I know - with his adventurous mum....being grumpy and not settling sometimes...listening to his mum's piano playing ...and today I even know that David is looking forward to his family meeting him for a business lunch!

How wonderful!

I am especially proud of Dora. I almost remember how much energy & confidence it takes to be out & about. It's all about the little things and Dora & Jordy are experiencing the magic of "each day"

How wonderful!

The day to day journals through blogs and David's wee suprise text messages are so heart warming. As is the sharing of photos with my friends. They have been especially comaradie & very interested about Singapore ( especially my food photos!! - sometimes I have to bring them back to the exercise - i.e. looking at Jordy! ) Margaret & Celia are especially spontanious in their delight at wee Jordy's changes and eagerly await Dora's blog messages.

How wonderful!

I can keep in touch with Jordy's wider family through his Grandad's very informative blog sites.

I can see Jordy's inclusiveness in this loving family and feel very comforted.

How wonderful!

I even know that Nick has recently rented out his house ( the one up my street that future Jordy's will be accommadated - no pressure Nick!!!!) and that there is a hen in residence and the garden is being looked after.

How wonderful!

So even though my wee family is far away and their photos sit, as mementos of a time, stilled , I am not so alone.

Memories

2008-09-26T22:44:00.003+12:00

Here is the Chinese Box which I aquired at D's work mall. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be exactly the box that would hold all Grandad's "stuff." Those wee mementos that were important to him and therefore very special for us.

His leather case stands underneath which Jude & I spent a childhood wondering about the contents. It was always strictly forbidden - but I remember that we did manage to climb up high one day and found, to our delight, little brownie snapshots of our Dad from WW2, ( he must have been 19 - 22 ) small mementos of Italian Women, and quite a few truck/mobile shots from perhaps Egypt. I remember Dad being very cross that we had managed to come across the suitcase. At the time I remember wondering whether there was more to the fact that Judy & I had climbed up on a footstool to get the case...and therefore unsafe...he was very angry...much more than the incident warrented. Dad was usually never angry at us so I knew this was serious. Now that I have the small ( and insificant for some ) contents I can understand his reserve, and wanting to shield his daughters from a horrific time in his past.

I have medals and letters, and my task now, is to gather this together and put them in the Chinese Box & Dad's old Leather Case. There are also a few mementos from Mum - not much - probably the most treasured thing is a big Superman Card which Nick made for his Mama just before she died.

Underneath the leather case is an ordinary old wharehouse trunk which holds heaps of Nick & David's growing up times. Not many photos of new borne David to show Jordy ( no time for photos I suppose ) but lots for later - lots of holidays & the day to day stuff.

So the Chinese Box will serve us well and I'll have much satisfaction filling it with family mementos. It was well worth the inspection at customs but that's another story!

My other aquisition is the wonderful ' Lust en Lesen 2009 " Calendar. My DIL said it MUST be part of the sitting room - and after a bit of rearranging I am very pleased.

Liam leaves for Wellington tomorrow. He is very excited and so he can be. Celia can be very proud. Watch Out World - here comes Liam - be well - Go Do It!!!

Homeward Bound

2008-09-23T18:23:00.006+12:00

As the plane lifted off from Singapore Airport I felt an overwhelming grief for my loved ones I was leaving behind but what wonderful memories to take with me. It was the most amazing 3 weeks spending every day with wee Jordy and now I can share all my stories with my family here.

When we flew over the Southern Alps I knew I was nearly home. For an all night flight the time went well and I managed to entertain myself with 3 good movies: Deception ( recommended highly ) Summer House ( a French Drama ) and Looking Forward ( Kevin Spacey )

Customs in CHCH was an interesting experience as I knew it would be. The large Chinese Box I just had to have to keep special memories had to be declared and the Customs Officer and I had a great time undoing all my wrapping and then making it secure again for the flight to Dunedin. Dora, the big strong plastic bag came in very handy here. The Officer was a new dad and he'd been up all night with his wee teething babe - you can imagine our conversation! He also thought it prudent to clean my sneakers before they came into the country so I now have very sterialised sneakers!

I arrived in Dunedin to a beautiful spring day and even coming from Singapore's heat it wasn't cold at all. ( if my flight had been today I wouldn't have made it home cos flights into Dn have been cancelled due to strong winds ) Wonderful Margaret was there to meet me and we spent an hour or so sitting out in the sun chatting about "you know who!" Celia and Margaret have been avid blogger & picasa visitors and of course are very very delighted with the new member of the family. Margaret had even kindly bought me food and the garden man I'd arranged to do lawns and a wee tidy up of the garden had done a great job so my homecoming was not so bad at all.

It feels wierd to hang washing out on line after Singapore drying system.

It has made it easier to come home to Springtime though - Dalmeny looks not too bad when the sun is shining. I wonder what Jordy will think of the big hill!

I am really missing my Daughter In Law. Have had a great old time trying to transfer photos on to the computer and then transfering to blog! It's not letting me transfer easily for some reason and I have had to do it all sorts of round about ways to accomplish this - hmmm - very frustrating...

David's just text to say Dora & Jordy are watching Gilmore Girls. How lovely that I can picture the exact scene! Coro's on here.

Jordy is Six Weeks Old Tomorrow

2008-09-21T01:14:00.008+12:00

My three week holiday being with wee grandson holiday is drawing to a close.

This is my wee babe a few days after I arrived -

- and here he is now!

How wonderful that I have been able to spend this special time with David, Dora & wee Jordy... watching him grow from a newborne to a little 6 weeker who has been developing his uniqueness day by day. From seeing him first thing in the morn ( not the early early shift thank goodness! ) watching his little playtime gymnastics on the mat, sharing his first "out & about stuff", bath times, and most of all, the cuddles when he gazes at you with the most adorable eyes. The feel of his little body is just magic. He already communicates in his own special way, and not unlike his Mama Maree you can read his facial expressions very easily.

We have had a lovely Saturday together. Jordy watched his first Flight of The Concordes episode and then we headed off to Great World City for the bestest lunch at Bangkok Jam. Thai mango lime salad, chicken green curry and the most delicious pork dish I've ever had. After a walk about the mall David Jordy & I visited Bukit Chandu ( the war museum ) while Dora had a much needed rest at home. We had thought we might go to Santosa but it really has been too hot this last week to do anything too much in the open. The museum was well set out and I am keen to visit other wartime memorials next visits.

Couldn't let my last night go by without making Tuna Salad for my family and we have now had a very relaxing evening writing thankyou cards on behalf of Jordy, and because wee babe has for once gone straight to sleep after evening feed we have had ice cream and parents extroidinare are even able to watch an episode of Gilmore Girls! Dora even managed to do a blog! Usually at this time we are cuddling, singing and playing the piano, trying to settle the wee darling.

I always knew that I would love being a Grandma but didn't really realise how much one tiny little baby could steal my heart.

Jordy darling I am yours forever and ever. Take good care of your Mum & Dad for me and your Singapore Grandma & Grandad. I can't wait for you to start blogging!!

Jordy's First Cultural Experience

2008-09-19T15:07:00.011+12:00

Today we visited the beautiful Singapore Arts Museum. The building itself is worth a visit ( it used to be St. Joseph's School ) and today we had the added attraction of a special exhibition of Vietnamese Art After 1990. The work was especially poignant for us reminding us of our visit to Hanoi last April. One of the works, a cluster of models of buildings we recognised was one of the favs.
After a wonder enjoying the art and ambiance we headed off to Dome, quite an upmarket cafe where we enjoyed a very refreshing lunch -
While Dora gave wee Jordy his afternoon feed I wondered around Chimes which is a sureal garden eating place looking for a wee church that I remembered from my very first visit to Singapore. It is one of those places that I have carried with me in my mind's eye and will continue to do so as it was as still and as peaceful as I'd remembered. It is the simplicity and the whiteness that I love.
Back to Dome to pick up wee whanau and as it was still so very very hot and not quite time to head back home we took a relaxing wee forest walk to Bukit Chandu which is a historic rememberence park commemerating the Battle for Singapore during World War 11. It is a poiganant place and has amazing views. It would have been good to visit the museum but although wee cherub was enjoying his afternoon emensely Dora & I both knew that we would be pushing the boundaries to put him through another cultural experience.

So another perfect day with little cherub. I am trying not to think that this magic visit is nearly over but I am beginning to feel a shadow of sorrow.

It is now 7:15 and David has arrived home with delicious tea. David works very long hours here compared to NZ working time but now it's the weekend and he can look forward to special time with his little family.

Afternoon Clubbing

2008-09-19T15:07:00.005+12:00

Yesterday was extremely hot even for locals so it was a good day to head off in the afternoon to chill out at the club. Dora, Jordy & I joined Grandma Daisy & Granddad Dick and we had a wonderful time nibbling tasty snacks, reading newspapers and swimming. What a life! The picture above is where wee Jordy will hang out when he's a wee bit older. It's a great water playground and I will look forward to hanging out with him here at a future date.

Wee man was SO GOOD. Not a peep out of him and when Daddy David arrived in the later evening we all went for Jordy's first evening dining experience at Jumbo's Seafood.

So many delicious dishes - fried squid, prawns, but the speciality was the chilli crabs. The plate was enourmous and I wondered how on earth we would manage to do it justice but as this is Dick's very favourite dish we managed to almost scrape the plate clean!!

It was a wonderful wonderful day and Jordy's Grandparents were so proud of him - not one peep from him the whole time. His mum & Dad were very amused as they waited by the hotel entrance - all they could hear was The Doting Grandparent Club singing Irish Lullibies to him as we carried him down the stairs like a little prince to the car. It was a different story part of the journey home but wee man is allowed the occassional slip up!

Singaporean Hospitality

2008-09-17T16:24:00.000+12:00

Yesterday I had my second ever massage. On my last visit to Singapore last April, I was Daisy's honoured guest for my first in a lifetime and we have decided that we will make an afternoon of pampering ourselves a tradition. It truly is an extraordinary experience to be painted in ginger and then rolled in a wrap. But the fun really begins when big woman sits on you and starts pounding and stretching trying to make knotty old me into a pliable rubber band. Jane certainly knew how to iron out my tense muscles and I felt very light and relaxed when Daisy & I met after our treatment to have barley tea. It wasn't till I woke up this morning that I felt as though someone had been sitting on my back all night!!! However after warm shower all was well and I am now reaping the benefits of all that stretching.

After our pampering experience, to carry on the tradition ( we did this last time too ) we drove to Daisy & Dick's club where we met up with D&D, wee Jordy and Dick, and after a lovely lunch by the poolside we enjoyed a great swim. This is a wonderful place and will be a great place for wee man to hang out with the family. His cousins love coming here with their Grandparents. It is so well set up for kiddies & grownups to just enjoy the water and to relax. We have made plans to go again on Thursday and David will meet us there after work. Yeahhh!

A big big thankyou to Daisy and Dick for a wonderful day.

No visit to Singapore is complete without a visit to Orchid Road so with very specific instructions from Dora on how to get to the places I wanted to browse around ( I have a reputation for managing to get myself lost ) I left my wee family behind and ventured forth. Now that I am a regular visitor and not just a three day tourist I know which places I want to wonder. Tangs is always a treat and I wish we had a great big HMV store in Dunedin to browse around on a wet weekend. Three floors of music and movies. Alas, I couldn't find my new fav. TV serial Mad Men, but don't think it's released yet. Then off I went to meet Mother & baby who were having their first trip into town by themselves. Dora is into the swing of out & about, no probs and Jordy is a real little cafe boy already. All the fellow shoppers think he's a wee cutie and although we try not to compare with the pushchair crew, cos we know that's not very nice, he really wins hands down everytime.

The shops here are mind boggling, and everything is displayed with artistic flair. I think I'm beginning to work out the layout - remember Dunedin has only two malls and only one has an escalator!!!

Jordy's First Party

2008-09-14T01:20:00.010+12:00

It is the tradition in Singapore to hold a party for the newborn at one month old so today family and friends called in to celebrate Jordy's arrival.

D&D had ordered catering and this was set up in the landing outside the apartment. Many dishes - fish, squid, curry, vegetables and noodles and mee siam, a really tasty spicy soup dish. Delicious light puddings are also included. The caterers organise everything and the dishes sit under gas burners so everyone can eat when they want. When Shenn arrived he said " yea there's a barbecue outside" - It's such a hassle free way to party.

Guests began to arrive about 11ish and wee man of the day was looking very dashing in his little NZ tiki tshirt. Of course everyone just adored him. He gazed at everyone with those deep dark eyes and seemed to be taking everything in. He even took all the photos in his stride. It was great catching up with extended family again and Dick entertained us all on the ukelale - when he next visits NZ he will have to catch up with the Wellington ukelale club - I wish Finnie could hear him cos he'd really enjoy it.

Alas - all good things come to an end and by 1ish wee Jordy had had enough of being social butterfly. ( I have the sneaking suspicion that he will be very much a contemplative sort of fellow rather than a party player. )
By late afternoon when he still hadn't settled we did what we all try and went for a drive, but no, not even that - he was very cross with us - it wasn't until we wheeled him around Labrador park by the sea that he returned to his usual quiet meditative state. His mum & grandma love him very much as they knew that his delight with this park would cost them both mosquito bites!

It is now late in the evening and the wee petal has been asleep since his tea time feed allowing Mum & Dad to have much needed sleep.
So the big day was a huge success and ended on a high note with the All Blacks winning the Bedisloe Cup - needless to say, after such a big day, there was no West Wing watching tonight!

Busy Days

2008-09-14T00:40:00.007+12:00

Friday differed from our usual routine - Dora, bubs and I had big day out yesterday leaving home just after lunch to deliver boxes of these sweet little gem cakes to her workmates. Dora's office is a very huge bright modern space and lucky for me situated in a very shoppable mall, so while workmates gooed over baby I entertained myself in the shops and Dora had organised for me to have my Vietnam & Xmas photos developed at the same time.

We thought we'd play it by ear ( translation - play the day according to Jordy boy ) and when I met up with them all was looking good. So off we went browsing around the beautiful shops. We even managed to sit down like ladies and have the
most superb pancakes. Dora obviously felt like she had returned to her favourite planet!

Wee Jordy continued to be very content for the rest of the evening - even at bath time and when Daddy David arrived home he was greeted by three happy chappies, and to celebrate the day we watched an episode of West Wing. Just like old times!

My Grandson is One Month Old Today!

2008-09-11T00:55:00.015+12:00

Whatcha lookin at Grandma - I'm still looking exactly the same as 5 minutes ago!

To mark this occasion wee Jordy decided to show us how he could lie on his tummy and hold his head up high. What a boy and I think he is already aspiring to play rugby as he seemed to be trying to do a scrum - kicking his wee arms and legs and he actually managed to move himself half way around the mat!

D & I thought a little afternoon stroll might be nice so in the latish afternoon the three of us spent a very relaxing walk around parts of the Botanical Gardens. David had taken Margaret & I to the Orchid Garden part in 2005 but there is so many parts to it I will be able to spend many holidays exploring. It will be fun when wee man is old enough to see the turtles and feed the ducks. He especially liked the sound of the waterfall so think eventually he will be a waterboy although bath times are definately not his fav pastime yet!

Yesterday Dawn, Leslie, Ida, Shen, Young and Tien visited the new member of the family. Those boys are going to be great playmates for Jody. The are so delightful, very noisy as little boys can be ( well the two youngest - Shen is a very patient quiet older brother ) They all became very engrossed in The Adventures of Massey Fergusson so yeah! it's a hit! We will be catching up with them all again at Jordy's big one month birthday party on Saturday.

Jordy was such a good boy today that i managed to cook tea - no probs. I'm afraid he is a little unsettled tonight but his mum & dad have patience EXCELLENT and calming him with wee cuddles. They are wonderful in their new role - wee Grandson is in very very capable hands.

I have begun reading Two Lives by Vikram Seth and can tell it will be a goody.
Other than that just cruising in and out of Jordy days. It is like being in a little cacoon here, very peaceful, even when wee man cries ( which isn't very often! )

One Of Those Days

2008-09-09T01:43:00.007+12:00

It started out so well...

there we were, supermarket shopping completed by 10:30 and feeling very pleased with ourselves....then it all turned to custard. Wee cherub wasn't being particularly cherub at all so we abandoned "how to" book and showing our independent streaks went off on our afternoon outing a little earlier today.

This time to very upmarket mall where all the ex pats go and had very civilised afternoon tea and a potter around the shops. Found some sweet little Chinese bags for gifts.

But eventhough lots of fellow shoppers were very forthcoming in their delight with cute baby wee Jordy just didn't want to get into the swing of it really. Poor wee petal - but after his bath and early evening feed i.e. when his Dad came home, he settled into a much needed sleep.

Most obvious sign of busy day was that mama managed to undercook rice in fool proof rice cooker!!!

And now we all feel quite normal again after a wee relax with Gilmore Girls.

Motherhood is like travelling - every day is different and you never know what to expect.

Happy Four Weeks to Jordy

2008-09-07T23:10:00.011+12:00

It is a little after 7p.m. Sing time so Jordy is officially four weeks old.

We have celebrated by having good old Kiwi tucker - Shepherds Pie. Alas I cannot take credit for this great feast. The Yip family have dinner together every Sunday evening but as Darling Dora has been unwell with fever and other ghastly things Ida kindly cooked us a take away.
Due to Dora's unwellness ( which is quickly improving ) I managed my first babysitting task last night as D&D made a trip to the Dr. Wee Grandson was very good and after a wee chat, whereby I do all the chatting and he listens attentively, he popped off to sleep no probs and I watched The Office Series 2.

Wee Jordy is notably changing everyday, he is so alert and his wee face looks even more like a cherub. Honestly he is so so cute. Now, between feeds he lies and entertains himself very well indeed, kicking and stretching his wee legs and arms all over the place. His favourite thing to do ( after feeding ) is listening to his mum play the piano, that's when he's not listening to me of course.

Before getting into Jordy time today I took a stroll through Hort park which isn't far from here. Truly serene and green. Singapore has such amazing sureal places of nature, so different than NZ's wild bush green. Here it is manicured lush and exotic.

David and I took a trip for takeaway Hawker ( promise to get back to that gas stove soon folks! ) and then we left wee Dora to rest while David took his Mum and his son on a really lovely Sunday outing along the Esplanade. Perfect breezy afternoon and wee child genius just sat back in his stroller contended the whole time.

Oh yes, just remembered, took a bus to Volvo City yesterday ( of course! ) and David and Jordy picked grandma up with her very restrained shopping and we had a wee stroll along Labrodour Park. He loved that too. his mum can't wait to be joining us in these expeditions.

First visit to wee Jordy

2008-09-06T01:44:00.000+12:00

It is now my 5th day with Jordie and he has totally captured my heart. Already it is hard to imagine life before this beautiful little joy came into our lives. I am very contended just to watch, hold and talk about him. Yesterday I took a wee walk up to the Hill Top to enjoy a little moment in this amazing city and must make sure I do a little more sightseeing but nothing can beat hanging out with wee man.
D&D have created a very loving peaceful space and it is so nice just to pace our days according to Jordy, each hour being different than the last and each day we notice little milestones that he manages to achieve.
I swear he knows me already and today when we took him to the hospital for a jaundice test he looked at me with such anger as if to say Grandma how could you let this happen to me! But he is a very forgiving wee soul and was soon back to letting me nurse him. And guess what! He's the only person I know who looks interested when I sing him a wee song.

Bestest Mum and Daughter In Law In World has helped me set up this blog site so I can keep in touch with Jordie when I return home - and to share NZ stories with him - but won't even think about that yet - Still have two glorious weeks to love and to hold.