Saturday afternoon Mountain Standard Time at about 4pm this afternoon, my newest granddaughter, Annya Croft was born. Sami was only in labor a couple of hours and just had time to get an epidural before Annya was on her way out. She weighs 6lb 12 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. I now have three grandbabies. Aunyka who is 5 years old, Koby who lives in Wellington, New Zealand with my daughter Rebekah, he is 4 years old and now Annya who is brand new. How precious these children are, how thankful I am that their mothers love them and are invested in their care.
I had to pick the news up on facebook because I was out landscaping all day, trying to finish this last huge job. Oh my aching back. But we got it all done, everyone got paid. The neighbors, house across the road from the 4plex, came out and told us what a fantastic job we had done. You never know who's watching you these days.
It was a wonderful compliment. The place really was a mess. We spent a total of two days cleaning up weeds, moving boulders and rocks into different places and shovelling 4 cubic feet of dirt. Half to Kent's residence, the rest spread evenly on the front lawn. The strip in front will need cloth and bark, but will be easier to maintain. It's always nice for tenants when the properties are maintained and kept up.
We have also been busy at Kent's residence. It was a huge undertaking, we were literally working on the side of the mountain. A ton of weedeating, a fire hazard averted. The weeding alone took several of the neighbors dumpsters. His drip system had to be trenched with pick and shovel, we moved it about a foot away from the driveway. People were running over the rocks and damaging the pipes. There were a few other sprinker chores that needed doing. Our hands are smashed from moving rocks, building retaining rock walls and shovelling soil so Kent could have lawn.
I have been so busy lately, the past two weeks have been a blur of landscaping. Lots of boulders, mud, rocks, dirt, bark getting moved around. It has been gruelling but nice to be outdoors and working in the ground. I feel like I have been couped up for to long. Summer has been fabulous. Lots of family time, concerts, fun dates with friends and solitary time for thinking and meditating. I finished the little wee sweat house, it feels so good to cleanse. I made a few sage smudges when I was up at Bear Lake, and I also tried out
Martin became an owner operator and has a almost new truck. He calls his business Jade Transportation LLC, named after Aunyka Jade, his daughter. He is so proud of her, and feels that it is appropriate.
Tim is working out his issues with Secured and is busy working. We both leave Tuesday morning to fly to Florida. We will spend a week with the new baby and mom. I also look forward to living on the beach. My friend Carol Oldshield brought me back some wonderful shells from her stay in Florida. She also let me have some shark's teeth that her and Kindy (her daughter) had found on the beach. I am lucky to be the recipient of so much goodness.
Rebekah's emails continue to be positive and my heart feels strong and steady. It was so worthwhile going back to NZ, if only to make Rebekah smile again.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
It's the end of July, already
What happened to the year? I came back from New Zealand, feeling strong and empowered, went back to work at the Uof U long enough to quit. WTF. The momentum of the year has continued to keep me cresting at the top of the wave and I haven't stopped yet.
I am not concerned. I am unemployed and working harder than I have been for awhile. My days are full and fun and wonderfully happy again. I just spent two days in Denver, CO studying Psych-K, a cool technique for getting the mind crap out of the system. It is easy and the results instantaneous. Who wants to carry baggage forever? The funny part about the whole process is that the conscious and the subconscious mind don't seem to agree.
I have time for yoga, exercise, or some low key version of it, and reading. I was waiting for the universe to get me up to speed and show me different tasks and before I knew it, I had four more landscaping contracts, six movie scripts to read and write comment on.
My daughter Rebekah sent a wonderful email, she is getting her life together in New Zealand, is forming a wonderful bond with her son and creating a healthy lifestyle for herself.
My newest granddaughter will be born in a few days/weeks and I will be present for her arrival.
I am not concerned. I am unemployed and working harder than I have been for awhile. My days are full and fun and wonderfully happy again. I just spent two days in Denver, CO studying Psych-K, a cool technique for getting the mind crap out of the system. It is easy and the results instantaneous. Who wants to carry baggage forever? The funny part about the whole process is that the conscious and the subconscious mind don't seem to agree.
I have time for yoga, exercise, or some low key version of it, and reading. I was waiting for the universe to get me up to speed and show me different tasks and before I knew it, I had four more landscaping contracts, six movie scripts to read and write comment on.
My daughter Rebekah sent a wonderful email, she is getting her life together in New Zealand, is forming a wonderful bond with her son and creating a healthy lifestyle for herself.
My newest granddaughter will be born in a few days/weeks and I will be present for her arrival.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
North Island
We arrived in Auckland early in the morning, collecting luggage and going through security. I lost my first piece of luggage, my CD player and some meditation CD's. I didn't discover this until later and emailed the airport.
They emailed right back that they had found my equipment and want me to call them. I haven't figured out how to use their phone system or their bloody coins.
They have one dollar and two dollar gold colored coins. I need to stand and stare at the phone system for some time and read the instructions, so don't expect a phone call anytime soon.
My sister Connie, who works as a psychiatric RN in a clinic close to Middlemore Hospital, came to get us. We had planned for her to carry a yellow balloon in case we didn't recognize each other, it's been 20 years. She looked just the same.
Jet lag. Felt like a zombie for a day, but after a good sleep and some decent food, we were up to par and ready to move on.
My brother Dale, came by and drove us everywhere. They all drive like maniacs. We covered a lot of territory that day, including a visit to Lionel, another brother.
We caught the Overlander train in Papakura, one of the stops on the day long journey from Auckland to Wellington. We had bought a 7 day scenic pass, which means we could catch trains anytime and included one ferry crossing.
Everything is soooo green and damp. The trains are heated and comfortable. We could sit anywhere in our carriage so could get window seats. The scenery is spectacular and varied. The train crew are very helpful and give out information and history as we proceed.
The food is delicious but expensive. They also have a licence to sell alcohol, so for those that like wine or beer with their food, they have these small bottles, about one glass size.
Wellington hasn't changed, it is still wet and windy.
My sister Anita picked us up from the station and we stuffed our luggage into her small car. The vehicles are very small and modern. Easy to drive and zippy with good mileage. They have to be, gas is about US6.50 or so a gallon.
The next day, Monday, we caught a bus into town, did a ton of walking in the rain, ate fish and chips, found a bank, and generally looked at the shops. They have a few huge supermarkets, which reminded me of Walmart, KMart, Target and a ton of small shops. My debit card won't work, it doesn't recognize the pin. Carol had the same problem. Luckily I spoke to the bank before we left, telling them I was travelling. They would have blocked my accounts otherwise.
I can use the credit card. Thank God for the internet, I can still do all my banking online, transferring money across, booking tickets without having to use the phone system.
It's amazing being clueless.
The corner grocery store still exists, and they are allowed to sell alcohol as well. WOW
There is a lot of public transport.
My daughter Rebekah arrived after us, lots of hugs and kisses. She has grown taller. We also met my grandson Kobe. He is four years old and very cute.
Rebekah knew her way around Wellington, if it wasn't for her we would still be floundering around, trying to read the maps and figuring out where to catch the bus. They have a great system. We bought a group pass which covers up to four people for all day travel by the buses. It was great, we used it and got our money's worth. There is also an all day pass per person, but it is cheaper to use the group pass. It cost the equivalent of about US9.00.
She literally knew where to find everything we wanted.
They emailed right back that they had found my equipment and want me to call them. I haven't figured out how to use their phone system or their bloody coins.
They have one dollar and two dollar gold colored coins. I need to stand and stare at the phone system for some time and read the instructions, so don't expect a phone call anytime soon.
My sister Connie, who works as a psychiatric RN in a clinic close to Middlemore Hospital, came to get us. We had planned for her to carry a yellow balloon in case we didn't recognize each other, it's been 20 years. She looked just the same.
Jet lag. Felt like a zombie for a day, but after a good sleep and some decent food, we were up to par and ready to move on.
My brother Dale, came by and drove us everywhere. They all drive like maniacs. We covered a lot of territory that day, including a visit to Lionel, another brother.
We caught the Overlander train in Papakura, one of the stops on the day long journey from Auckland to Wellington. We had bought a 7 day scenic pass, which means we could catch trains anytime and included one ferry crossing.
Everything is soooo green and damp. The trains are heated and comfortable. We could sit anywhere in our carriage so could get window seats. The scenery is spectacular and varied. The train crew are very helpful and give out information and history as we proceed.
The food is delicious but expensive. They also have a licence to sell alcohol, so for those that like wine or beer with their food, they have these small bottles, about one glass size.
Wellington hasn't changed, it is still wet and windy.
My sister Anita picked us up from the station and we stuffed our luggage into her small car. The vehicles are very small and modern. Easy to drive and zippy with good mileage. They have to be, gas is about US6.50 or so a gallon.
The next day, Monday, we caught a bus into town, did a ton of walking in the rain, ate fish and chips, found a bank, and generally looked at the shops. They have a few huge supermarkets, which reminded me of Walmart, KMart, Target and a ton of small shops. My debit card won't work, it doesn't recognize the pin. Carol had the same problem. Luckily I spoke to the bank before we left, telling them I was travelling. They would have blocked my accounts otherwise.
I can use the credit card. Thank God for the internet, I can still do all my banking online, transferring money across, booking tickets without having to use the phone system.
It's amazing being clueless.
The corner grocery store still exists, and they are allowed to sell alcohol as well. WOW
There is a lot of public transport.
My daughter Rebekah arrived after us, lots of hugs and kisses. She has grown taller. We also met my grandson Kobe. He is four years old and very cute.
Rebekah knew her way around Wellington, if it wasn't for her we would still be floundering around, trying to read the maps and figuring out where to catch the bus. They have a great system. We bought a group pass which covers up to four people for all day travel by the buses. It was great, we used it and got our money's worth. There is also an all day pass per person, but it is cheaper to use the group pass. It cost the equivalent of about US9.00.
She literally knew where to find everything we wanted.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
In flight
Friday 4.00am
Breakfast at 0400 am was a hot omelette or muffin and fruit. I picked the omelette, deciding that protein would help with jet lag. We declined the champagne as we passed across the international dateline.
We flew out of Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening at 5.30pm, arriving in Los Angeles an hour later. I can't remember how many times I packed and repacked my luggage.
We caught a shuttle from terminal 6 to the international terminal. Thankfully the luggage has wheels and we drag stuff off and on the bus, up the elevator into the ticketing area.
We both like window views, so sit behind each other, it works well.
The plane is huge and literally leaps into the air, it's a 747-400 Boeing Jet, very comfortable. Pillow, blanket and headphones are provided, it took me most of the flight to figure out how to use the remote, but three movies and a game of bejewelled, it was time to put the thing away. Movies are free and the selections excellent. Tea and coffee are served whenever you ask, and the staff routinely walk through the cabin every two hours offering iced lemon water. The explanation was that it would help you with jet lag.
Air NewZealand served dinner of beef or chicken somewhere between Los Angeles and Hawaii. You could have glasses of red or white wine with your meal, juice and the proverbial tea or coffee. The best thing is no charge.
My sister Connie meets us at the airport in Auckland, we arrive at 545 am and it takes 15-20 minutes to get through immigration and biohazard checkpoints.
Spent a few hours changing travellers checks and US currency into local money. There are coins for one dollar and two dollars, notes for $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollars.
We are both tired but determined to stay awake until evening and try to sleep at a normal hour. My sister has offered us the use of her car, it's a little freaky. Trying to drive on the left hand side of the road will be interesting. Tomorrow is another day and probably better after a good night's sleep.
Breakfast at 0400 am was a hot omelette or muffin and fruit. I picked the omelette, deciding that protein would help with jet lag. We declined the champagne as we passed across the international dateline.
We flew out of Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening at 5.30pm, arriving in Los Angeles an hour later. I can't remember how many times I packed and repacked my luggage.
We caught a shuttle from terminal 6 to the international terminal. Thankfully the luggage has wheels and we drag stuff off and on the bus, up the elevator into the ticketing area.
We both like window views, so sit behind each other, it works well.
The plane is huge and literally leaps into the air, it's a 747-400 Boeing Jet, very comfortable. Pillow, blanket and headphones are provided, it took me most of the flight to figure out how to use the remote, but three movies and a game of bejewelled, it was time to put the thing away. Movies are free and the selections excellent. Tea and coffee are served whenever you ask, and the staff routinely walk through the cabin every two hours offering iced lemon water. The explanation was that it would help you with jet lag.
Air NewZealand served dinner of beef or chicken somewhere between Los Angeles and Hawaii. You could have glasses of red or white wine with your meal, juice and the proverbial tea or coffee. The best thing is no charge.
My sister Connie meets us at the airport in Auckland, we arrive at 545 am and it takes 15-20 minutes to get through immigration and biohazard checkpoints.
Spent a few hours changing travellers checks and US currency into local money. There are coins for one dollar and two dollars, notes for $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollars.
We are both tired but determined to stay awake until evening and try to sleep at a normal hour. My sister has offered us the use of her car, it's a little freaky. Trying to drive on the left hand side of the road will be interesting. Tomorrow is another day and probably better after a good night's sleep.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
It's starting to get serious. Fun facts about NZ, I forgot or didn't know.
- It was the first country in the world to let women vote.
- They also have a Property Act, which lets couples, if they have been together for about three years are allowed to divide their property equally, if they break up.
- same sex couples are not legally allowed to marry in NZ but the country passed a Civil Unions Act in 2005 allowing any couple to join in a legal relationship with full legal rights.
How awesome is that?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Getting ready
I am looking at some serious options on how to accomplish between 14 to 18 days of travel in New Zealand. I haven't been home for 20 years, I wonder how much is still the same, and what is changed.
I don't have a clue where most of my relatives are living, my daughter is trying to find a place to stay. I want to visit with my grandson in Wellington, North Island, and my uncles who live in the South Island. I haven't seen Daniel and Harold for about 50 years and Phillip for about 40, so it should be interesting.
To the more practical side of things, the airfares between the US and NZ are really cheap right now, plus it's their winter, so I can't see much change as far as acclimatizing from Salt Lake City to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. We are just going into Spring in Salt Lake City.
Trying to decide which airport to use. If I use Auckland, then I can spend the weekend in the city. I was looking at train travel between Auckland and Wellington, which takes a day and has some pretty spectacular scenery.
Then there is the Ferry between Wellington and Picton, about three hours and the train from Picton to Wellington is also unbelievably pretty.
After visiting with family in the South Island, I will go back to Wellington, visit my grandson, spend a couple of days tracking my sister who lives there.
Rental cars or camper Vans are comfortable, very affordable. I will drive between Wellington and Auckland.
I don't have a clue where most of my relatives are living, my daughter is trying to find a place to stay. I want to visit with my grandson in Wellington, North Island, and my uncles who live in the South Island. I haven't seen Daniel and Harold for about 50 years and Phillip for about 40, so it should be interesting.
To the more practical side of things, the airfares between the US and NZ are really cheap right now, plus it's their winter, so I can't see much change as far as acclimatizing from Salt Lake City to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. We are just going into Spring in Salt Lake City.
Trying to decide which airport to use. If I use Auckland, then I can spend the weekend in the city. I was looking at train travel between Auckland and Wellington, which takes a day and has some pretty spectacular scenery.
Then there is the Ferry between Wellington and Picton, about three hours and the train from Picton to Wellington is also unbelievably pretty.
After visiting with family in the South Island, I will go back to Wellington, visit my grandson, spend a couple of days tracking my sister who lives there.
Rental cars or camper Vans are comfortable, very affordable. I will drive between Wellington and Auckland.
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About Me
- pearlsplace
- I have lived here for about 20 years. I can't believe they've gone so fast. I am ready to explore the world.