Gordon, our adopted cat, is not much for human contact. When we first met, she wriggled herself into a frenzy to avoid human contact. The only way you can hold her is upside down on her back, much like rock-a-by baby. She will only sleep on top of your bed covers ad certainly never higher Read More …
Went out with the beautiful Vicky Flanagan for lunch again today and enjoyed a toasted panini and iced chocolate. The food was good, but the company was even better.
Met Vicky for Nando’s tonight. Parked next to her beloved Sophie. Great photo if you know the cars.
A week ago I decided to sell my red Squier Chambered Tele and upgrade to a new one. Originally I wanted one of the traditional blonde one’s with the black pickguard – but they only make them starting from $1499, which is the kind of money I don’t spend on guitars. So I went with Read More …
For a while I’ve been meaning to get around to finishing off my Mini’s boot. Since I got it painted, I ripped out the old backing, and was ready to put the new carpet base in. A can of adhesive spray that sticks your arm hair together later and it was done!
It took a long, agonising six weeks. After an initial quoted two, and minimal customer contact, I finally got back my beloved Mini yesterday. It needed some rust taken out of it, and so I figured that whilst that was getting done, Id pay a few extra dollars and come away with the paint job Read More …
It was a celebratory trip to Staglands with Vicky. With the Mini safely back in my hands, it was time for a road trip. We headed out to Staglands, and then continued on out across the Akatarera’s to Lindale, Paraparaumu and to Plimerton for Dinner. These are some of the old rustic photos I took Read More …
I have to say, if you’re ever in Wellington, looking for somewhere for lunch – you have to go to Parade Cafe. A group of us from TLC would often visit there once in a while and my less adventurous (or less wealthy) self would stick to their seasoned wedges. They are awesome! Today I Read More …
Today is the first day of the year. As a family (with soon to be Sister-in-Law and Vicky!) we headed up to the Rimutaka Incline. Nicola, Bridget and Stu were going to be biking over the journey, and Vicky, Mum, Dad and myself were just going for the trip up there. The Mini survived! It Read More …
New Years Eve is always awesome. Ever since I’ve known Vicky, we’ve cruised up to her place and had a BBQ supper with a Brasier. This year was no different. Only difference was, we had to bring along an LP of some sort to keep us entertained through the night. Whilst there were meant to Read More …
Having spent a couple of Christmas’ overseas in far away lands, the Pohutakawa is one thing we take for granted over here in New Zealand. Its cherry red blossom on the stroke of Christmas is a true season blessing. It makes you feel like everything is okay in the world. It shines out and says Read More …
It wouldn’t be right but to make a post about Christmas. In amongst all the presents, food and family, I hope that you are able to remember the reason why we celebrate. Else, you can just enjoy the company of your friends and family, have a picnic on top of one another. But there is Read More …
Today there were two white chocolate scorched almonds left in the bowl. It looked like two eggs. Almost like Christmas and Easter had combined.
Opening your eyes to a brand new world is never easy. It can be terrifying when you reflect on your own world. But it can also make you humbly grateful for the privileged life you do lead. On the one hand, you are a mere bee in the thriving hive called Earth. The 15mins of Read More …
Today Vicky and I headed to Percy’s Reserve with some friends. In the middle of the hot afternoon, we went for the 20 min walk to see the waterfall. In all its splendor it showered down, and it was refreshing to spend some time in God’s creation with Vicky at my side. A true blessing
Today the youth held an auction to raise funds for their trip to India. I had painted a couple of paintings, which is why I was less disappointed than I would have been had I put forward one of my own personal pieces, when one of my pieces went for a mere $100. That is Read More …
Vicky needed to get some photos printed today, and so whilst we waited, we wandered around the furnature store across the way. This bookshelf wanted to go home with Vicky evidently…
Vicky and I turned three today. Its been a great journey so far. We have enjoyed the good times, pushed through the tough times and re looking forward to what the future may hold. Thank you for an awesome three years babe!
I have just finished wood burning the design I want for my old guitar. It took me about two hours to do with the wood poker kit – surprisingly relaxing and ultimately fulfilling.
Today I finished stripping back my guitar. Its been a long process, but it has provided me with some downtime and some metal stress release from work. I’m now going over with finer sandpaper to smooth it out. I need to get a few white bits sanded out as well. I am getting together some Read More …
This weekend was the traditional Labour Weekend Camp with Boys’ Brigade. We had a total of 11 boys attend, the most it has been in the last 5 years. Add to that, we had a weather pocket of summer, where all three days were solid sunshine – also a first in the last 5 years! It Read More …
It was a night to remember. At BB tonight, we set about trying to break world records… or BB records at least. From jumping in undies, to memorizing numbers and eating M&M’s with chopsticks; we did them all. This one beats the cake though. We got the boys to pile into my beloved Mini, cramming Read More …
Nothing says “We miss you” than two dogs sitting in their bed, looking at me – their temporary house-sitter, waiting for their real mum and dad to come home.
Looking into the morning sun, across the lush, empty field towards the still bush and distant hills. The magnificence of God’s own creation astounded my complex mind. How could there be any other explanation for all this other than divine inspiration? But my thoughts paused there for only a second before pulling out an old, Read More …
James 1 vs 22-25. “But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror; for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind Read More …
For the first time in a long time I got my paintbrush out today. I have had mixed feelings about Art and what I have to offer. With the dismal performance of this years Affordable Art Show I felt disassociated with the whole ordeal of this thing called Art. I didn’t want anything more to Read More …
Today we had a lazy day at Vicky’s. The sun was out for Father’s day and with festivities planned in the afternoon, the outdoor furniture was out and lent itself brilliantly to a game of Poker with Vicky and William. Good times.
Decided to pay my ol’ friend Richard Prouse a visit after school today whilst I waited for Vicky to finish work. It was a beautiful day, and an excellent way to un-wind after a difficult day’s teaching.
This week has been challenging. With both parents overseas, I found myself falling ill and having to stay in bed all day. It was lucky that Vicky was finishing work early on both of these days and was able to stop by and pay a visit.
Technology is bliss. I found myself stacking these three devices together on the couch whilst watching TV. My iPod Touch for Internet, Cellphone to chat with Vicky and the TV remote to displace annoying ad’s…
Today I decided to get the mop chopped off. I was originally going to try get it to the length it was last time I went overseas, but with teaching and having to look good, I had to have it shaved.
This morning I received text from Vicky s she came over the Wainui Hill into the Hutt Valley, saying that the fog was really thick – the thickest she’d seen. I looked out the window, and this is what I saw. Sometimes it requires a short text in the morning to make you realise God’s Read More …
Today my new Macbook arrived. Not that it’s new, but its new to me! Spent the day getting it set up and beginning to transfer files across from my old laptop to my new one. Quite simply, there was no other photo suitable for today.
Today Vicky surprised me with a beautiful card she wrote for our 2 years and 8 month anniversary. We don’t usually celebrate monthly ones like this, and if I were completely honest, I didn’t even know it was the 17th today – such is the nature of holidays! But it reminded me of her growing Read More …
So today I didn’t quite play my fingers to the bone on my new guitar. But I do love it. Such a rich sound – and I can’t wait to try it out all plugged in and everything at church. Hopefully it will add an extra dimension to worship.
The guitar arrived today! I went in to the store. I came out of the store. I went home with a new guitar!
Today I went shopping with Vicky for a new Acoustic/Electric guitar. After being inspired by Sons of Korah, Henry Seely, and lately Shooting Stars, I decided I needed an upgrade from my SX – which whilst was Acoustic/Electric, didn’t have a preamp in it – just volume and tone. The whole process took about an Read More …
Nothing I like more than caramel. Its to die for sometimes. If you want to bribe me in some horrendous way, then caramel is the way to go. Luckily for me, this was just dessert tonight. Enjoyable dessert.
Today Vicky and I chilled out after the morning service at church and watched a couple of movies. Movies wouldn’t be right without some kind of snack… and just look at what she did to poor little Freddo. He lost his sight. Don’t walk blindly into the future. Ask God to reveal it to you, Read More …
Today Vicky and I headed out into the countryside to Lake Wairarapa, about an hours drive north of Wellington. A few years back I had done a tramp over the Rimutaka Incline, and walked down the road along the lakeside, before heading back over the ranges to Mt Matthews and Catchpoole. That was until I Read More …
This morning I decided to head out early to get a few morning shots. I headed up the River Road towards Upper Hutt. There are a few good spots along there that are almost too good to be postcards! Whilst I was getting a few of the clouds around the hills, the sun decided to Read More …
Ever been shopping for a cat? Do they come in a box? Or a bag? I guess Gordon was feeling left out in that she wasn’t purchased from a pet shop. She just adopted us… Too good an opportunity not to take a photo!
Lately I’ve been flicking through an old hymn book from our church – looking for inspiration from some more traditional songs. As I don’t know how the tune for most of them go, they are quite good to un-pack and use for lyrics to my own songs. This is one I found and put to Read More …
Tonight the moon was gleaming like I’ve never seen it before. It shone out across the hills and it was worth setting up the tripod to get the shot. I think the moon is quite underrated… So often we marvel at the importance of the sun, but very seldom do we acknowledge the moon, except Read More …