Mothers' Day at Greystone

Wait for it! A picture of Sammo is being planned for tomorrow. Yes! here it is following calls so far from Carl, Brisbane and Jo, New Plymouth! Kristina rang from Belgium later during the evening and Sue had just arrived back in Belgium from Oman! Great for Sammo.

Underneath are some of Sammo picking sauvignon blanc grapes - courstesy of Peter and Jude Hudson - for Greystone's 09 vintage. Last weekend we picked grapes all day for the Hudsons together with other friends, relatives and vintners

Another birthday for Jo!

Yes, Jo's birthday came and went on 13 April. Sammo the Mum rang Jo as she, Sammo, was on her way to Oz and later that evening Evan the Dad also rang, Jo that is, and complimented her on achieving such an age.

What is it about these offspring of ours? Don't they realise that for every year they get older we (Evan and Sammo) also get older? It seems sometimes that we are being pushed somewhere. Perhaps they also are being pushed just as we did to our parents etcetera, etcetara.

And now Thomas's 5th birthday looms in October. Evan and Sammo will be in attendance, God willing!

Jo. How about a photo for posterity showing just how young and sprightly you are?

Well it didn't take long and just look how young and sprightly Jo is?

Back from Oz

Sammo and Evan arrived back 23/4 following a great visit with Carl and Isaac; Tanja, Jesse and Tim. Evan's arrival on 16/4 was a complete surprise for Sammo (she says a very pleasant one!) who arrived in Rochedale, Brisbane on 13/4. Yes, Carl and Tanja kept it a secret for two months! See Carl's blog for other commentary.

The property that Carl and Tanja are house-sitting for a year is a wonderful place for young people and their dogs. Heidi the black retriever is being house-sit for the owners as well. Madeline (known affectionately as Maddie) is the young golden labrador pup. She delights in putting on 'mad dog' stunts. Those who knew Rambo, Rolley and Rastus will recall the ever diminishing, nearly concentric circles that they would run in when encouraged to perform 'mad dog' stunts.

A very relaxing visit with much attention to soccer by the boys and informal games of soccer on the front lawn with the two canine members. Chewing of the soccer balls definately frowned upon! Some shopping, shopping, shopping also!! Saturday was 'soccer day for the boys. The pictures tell the story. Yes, Isaac worked hard for his side's 2 - 1 win.



Before Evan arrived Sammo, Isaac, Jesse, Tim, Carl and Tanja went to Australian Zoo. The pictures tell the story!



Evan and Sammo's friends Lisa and Leigh and Horst rose to new heights to facilitate Evan's surprise visit. The CRV was parked at Leigh and Horst's in Newlands for the week with Lisa driving Evan to the airport. Leigh and Horst met Evan on his return flight and plied him and themselves with a gourmet meal cooked by Horst with wines to match and then left Evan to collect Sammo from the midnight flight on 23/4. Evan and Sammo spent the night back in Newlands at their homestay.

But back to Brisbane and the 'barefoot' bowlers. Tanja's Mum and Dad and Evan and Sally joined with Tanja and Carl for the big 'bowl-off.' The ladies' team sqeaked home against the gentlemen's team. Have a look and decide for yoursselves whether it was a friendly match or not!




Sammo is off to Hamilton tonight 1/5 for an NZ Reading Association executive meeting and back 2/5. The 'high flying executive' has arrived with planned work visits to Christchurch and Queenstown in June and September respectively! And, whew! just to round this coming weekend off Evan and Sammo are helping the Hudson's to pick their riesling grapes on Sunday 3/5 in Martinborough.