Last time to Glanmire for 2009

Drove up to Glanmire on Friday morning - glad to get out of the city and tried out going via the M5 and M7 to get to the base of the Blue Mountains - easy peasy ( although you have to pay tolls). Lovely drive up - but the country was burnt brown - such a change from the end of October when it was beautifully green. They really need rain - even the creek was dry and there was no pool by the bottom fence - hopefully they will get a good rain soon, or even a little rain. The top dam is really brown.

Taught the kids to make Xmas decorations the old fashioned way and then for another walk up the hill. HAving seen the little JAck Russell terrier kill a snake in front of his kennel a few days earlier it was not problem to convince everyone to wear shoes! but we didnt see anything untoward. Lots of little bunnies about - maybe the breeding cycle got accelerated in the spring! I even saw a black kangaroo wheni went for a walk at sunset. Samantha was quite amazed at "pink" clouds - how do you explain pink clouds to a nearly three year old!

Bought all the Christmas presents - and left them wrapped for two weeks time, and got some little bundles to take home with me.

Incredibly easy trip back home - less than three hours. So work for another five days and then back to NZ.

To Adelaide and back

What a lovely week - after working like crazy to get everything ready in time for the conference and meetings I was going to in Adelaide, it was great to just head off and relax. I didnt have to make any major presentations ( of the powerpoint kind) , just had to make a few shortish speeches as the retiring president. Had a lovely trip down on the plane, window seat and I always like looking at Australia from the air. every little river has green around it and almost all the rest is brown with circles and squares of green where some irrigation is taking place. Not a brilliant photo but maybe you can see what I mean.

Stayed the night with cousin Shirley and husband and caught up on all the news - so much happens, as families expand - she now has 9 great grandchildren!

Sunday was a major meeting - went well and then I spoke at the conference opening. I can really handle people telling me I am looking well. Neat group of people, and so very welcoming. Huge group - biggest ever. The whole conference went well, the community had many interesting papers and Adelaide was a great location - lots of restaurants in Rundle Mall, so close and easy walking from the Uni. Also beautiful old buildings at the Uni - a city uni but beautifully kept with parklands by the river and the Botanic gardens just up the road.

I donned my finery for the Awards dinner as I was giving out the prizes and even got photographed with the Australian born Astronaut who handed out the top award. Great night - once again a Kiwi took out one of the awards.

Hopefully some of the projects we talked about will actually come to fruition.

Even though I am now "Past President Liz" felt good to hand over with the association in such good heart and strength.

The back to my cousin's for the last night, a walk on Brighton beach and back to Sydney and work. Going up to Glanmire for the weekend to be with the children, for a last hug before Christmas ( going to take my wallet to the shops for Christmas presents!) and home to NZ in 9 sleeps!

Another week - retreat on Mt Wilson

After a busy week getting ready for end of year reporting of the project ( and struggling from time to time with recalcitrant software) and an evening traffic jam - the weekend was peaceful and refreshing for mind, spirit and body. I was invited to go overnight to the Blue Mountains to the School of Philosophy's property on Mt Wilson - a unique place - like a microclimate within the Blue Mountains, part of an area with lots of ferns, tree ferns, crown ferns, many of which reminded me of NZ. At this time of year any open areas were crowded with a host of daisies - reminding me of Wordsworth's poem except it wasnt a host of golden daffodils but a host of daisies. The village is full of magnificant old homes built about a hundred years ago, and is now a heritage area with avenues of trees that must look magnificant in the autumn. Lots of lovely walks in the area - worth a later visit with Peter. Only one drawback, the area had leeches hiding in the grass, and they liked Kiwi blood - I soon learnt the value of Spray on Aeroguard - tropical strength! That did deter me from going bushcrashing! The retreat was very basic accommodation, but absolutely adequate, and the area was literally hand hewn out of the vegetation, sorry I didnt take the camera but I am looking forward to getting copies of someone else's.
Back to work today but a friend is visiting Sydney and it will be great to see her.

Visits to NZ, heatwaves and more

Well, I have had a six day visit to NZ with Sean ( his 10th birthday present) and it was great to be home. New babies (I am a great aunt) were looking wonderful, we took Sean for a hot swim at Miranda ( after the legendary fish and chips) and we had dinner with old friends another night. Nothing like my own bed to sleep in, and good to see Peter was finally over his flu and bronchitis before I left. I was a bit worried there for a while. Didnt get round to seeing everyone, and weather wasn't wonderful but I will be home for Christmas. A lovely break and Sean was a real pleasure to have with us.

Came back to Sydney and a heat wave - amidst TV warnings of extreme fire risk this last weekend was most uncomfortable - hot warm NW wind and temperature of at least 40 out this side of town. My little studio flat is not air conditioned! I took off and went on a ferry over to Manley to get the sea breeze, and then after trying to do some writing on Sunday, gave up in sweaty despair and drove to Botany Bay where I wallowed in the sea until the body cooled down.

Unbelievably the temperature fell almost 20 deg overnight and this morning it was only 19 deg as the wind switched round to the SW. Not much rain and still high winds, so the bushfires are not all out yet ( still over 80 fires burning in NSW!!) - but at least it was not so muggy and hot.

First week in November

Well, working away on spreadsheets and getting info ready to distribute to our collaborators.

I went to the movies last week and saw Maos LAst Dancer - LOVED it - the dancer who plays Li Cunxin is himself a magnificent dancer and really gave new meaning to male ballet dancers. Strength and grace personified.
Had a swim, and a meal out with neighbours at one of the ethnic restaurants in Marrickville - nice change for me, went to my Philosophy group and then headed off to Canberra on Thursday morning in the car - very straightforward trip on motorways - had my meetings and then drove up the LAchlan Valley Way to Cowra and on to Bathurst - long drive for me on my own - made it to Glanmire by 8.45pm - pretty tired but easy driving through very green lush pasture - merino sheep country. They must have had rain in that area - I remember the dry barrenness of Lake George near Canberra on other trips - this time very green and pretty.

Stayed up at Glanmire and worked while family was at work and school - lovely spot to work and write - peaceful even with raucous birds. learnt a few more birds names eg a Corella is a sort of cockatoo with a small whitish crest instead of the more common Sulphur crested cockatoo, and the birds i thought were quails were crested pigeons.

Long drive home through the mountains on Sunday where I ran into low cloud, rain and a traffic jam due to a horrible looking accident - diverted and almost got lost ( saved by my GPS) and then home. BAck to work this morning and looking forward to going to NZ with Sean on Thursday morning.

No pictures this time - long story but I need a new camera.

The last week in October

Well last weekend drove up to Glanmire - lovely drive up - I missed the traffic! We had the boys' football prizegiving, I went and afterwards did a bit of retail therapy, Bathurst has lots of new shops - nothing much they are missing. Catherines workmates fixed the airconditioning on the car ( yippee), it rained heaps and I watched the boys and the dads ride their motorbikes. The soft, wet soil contributed to a few bail outs - nothing too major but Josh copped another bruise or two. Sam put on her new M'bike helmet - it is almost as big as she is! and then when the boys were worn out, and the noise turned off, Catherine took Sam for a little walk around on Mojo ( specially so Nana could take photos).

Drove back to Sydney in torrential downpour, Bathurst area all looking very green at the moment, and although some areas are undoubtdly still in drought, I have never seen the area look so pretty. Lots of flowering shrubs out - and jacarandas everywhere making a beautiful show.

Working away during the week, on Friday went up to Newcastle by train to visit Uni of Newcastle - lovely trip - especially over the Hawkesbury, and lots of greenery. Campus is spread out, lots of trees, NEwcastle was much bigger than I realised - quite a large city - I think they said it was larger than many of the state capitals. Stayed the night at a friends house which had a view even of a bit of the sea, and she took me to a "Girls night" - about 20 women, not all of whom knew each other - lots of wine flowing and chatter. Enjoyed the chance to meet up with some different people. Then the Saturday morning I was taken for an hour trip around the sights of Newcastle - beaches beautiful, all the boats waiting out in line to dock at the port - apparently it is first come first served, and you can't book a spot. At least 10 in line. I remember coming here with Peter and the kids way back when Brian was getting married - we stayed in the a motel overlooking the surf beach and although things had changed a bit I think the photo here is of the same beach.

Lovely drive and train home and spent the rest of the weekend, veging out, doing household chores, and went and had tea with my lovely friendly neighbour Joan.

Yes, I am finding it a bit lonely occasionally - looking forward to getting back to Auckland in a couple of weeks - I will sleep really well when I get there - taking eldest grandson with me - he is very excited.

This week I am driving to Canberra, so on the move a fair bit!

My walk

Well I walked for an hour on the walking.cycling paths along the Cook river - parkland with childrens playgrounds, sports fields being used for touch rugy, volleyball and cricket and lots of places for picnics and barbecues. Lots of dogs being walked - seems to be a preponderence of little whitish cross breed fluffy mongrels ( with undershot jaws) -late afternoon is a lovely time for walking.
I enjoy the birdlife - lots of native trees and plants to attract a vairety of birdlife - I saw lots of ibises ( a beautiful bird but looking quite scruffy as they scavenged), a young blue heron, several bunches of small parakeets ( budgerigars?) , a couple of huge crows, quail, little black and white birds I think are called peewees and a lizard of about 18in long. At this part the river itself is lined with mangroves and does appear tobe a bit tidal - but nice to have it so close - think I would go nuts if it wasnt for the opportunity to see and walk in some greenery!

Another week

Another week - interviewed quite a few exstudents and students, surveyed three classes, sorting out data, talking to people, this is a busy phase - and not helped by a yukky head cold - I hate blowing my nose constantly and getting cataclysmic coughing fits. But hopefully on the mend. Birthday was quiet but nice - it was lovely to get phone calls from a few friends, and family and some roses from Joan, my neighbour who also goes to Philosophy. I took a chocolate cake ( very small) to work to share with the four or five people I have got to know.

Peter not too good - has flu and bronchitis but great to hear he has gone to doctor and got some antibiotics.

Weather coming right again in Sydney - bright blue sky today - nice breeze where I stay, so not too hot, but lovely to wake up to clear skies.
Going for a walk now - make hay while weather good. Off to Brisbane overnight tomorrow to consult with one of my colleagues.

Time is flying again!

Gosh, I aimed to write something every week but I havent managed it. Since my last entry I have :

Survived the Red dust storm - incredible! ton s of red dust spread all over NSW - up at Catherine's it was mingled with rain and rained red mud - in Sydney it was so thick people were advised not to go out if they had any respiratory problems for for a few hours it was like being on Mars!

Got my ethics approval back, so started surveying students, and interviewing students. I have lots to do now collecting data and analysing this first pilot study.

Been up to see the grandchildren again - Samantha is growing in leaps and bounds and is so articulate it makes it a real pleasure - she even chats briefly on the phone - not bad for 2yrs 9 months. The boys were out on their bikes with their father last time I was there - the tracks on their property are a real excitement and challenge for them on both their motorbikes and thier BMX bikes. I sewed my patchwork - trying to emulate my talented daughter!

I had a week at a retreat at Mahratta - the residence for the Sydney School of Philosophy - beautiful heritage building - all done in the Art Deco style - a beautiful spiritually restful week, where we shared friendship, some beautiful music and contemplation.

I took myself to the Sydney Opera House last night as an early birthday present for myself - saw Cosi Fan Tutte - done in English - a humourous, "sensual" production - beautiful singing, imaginative costuming and set, and the venue is gorgeous at night - sipping champagne at the interval with all the lights of the skyscrapers , HArbour bridge and the excursion boats.

I have booked to go back to NZ in mid November - miss Peter, our home and friends but grateful I am getting the chance to work on this project.

WEll - this is not a literary masterpiece bit it is at least a start!

Last week in Toowoomba

After leaving NZ I returned to Sydney last weekend, returned home, changed clothes and suitcases and went up to Brisbane and then to Toowoomba to the University of Southern Queensland. I was feeling a little challenged by the prospect of being seen as an authority on Assessment but the week turned out well. It is an interesting university with over 80% of its students being distance students and this creates challenges for the teaching staff. Nice people, they want me to come back - will even pay me to!

Anyway, it was a very interesting week. The Carnival of flowers which is an annual highlight in Toowoomba was the weekend after I left, and the town was gearing up for its major tourist event. Busloads of golden oldies were coming in, and there was an interesting variety of people staying at the hotel. Everyone takes it very seriously and there were many beautiful gardens all around the town - they have reinstated the Parade of Flowers and will elect a Carnival Queen..

The photo is of me in the Japanese Garden attached to the university which was absolutely lovely and I am not sure of its history but it is beautiful place to be able to walk around and perhaps sit in the shade and read. Very restful.

Toowoomba has had major water problems for some years now and the whole area is threatened.

I am back in Sydney now, my little flat really felt like home when I came back. Beautiful weather today - I love the smell of washing dried in the sunshine.

Visit back to NZ

I am starting this blog so that my family and friends can keep track of what I am doing, and so that I can look back on the grand adventure I am having working as a Research fellow on an Australian project in Engineering Education. I have been based in Sydney since mid July and will post more information about my stay over the next year, but the last two weeks have been amazing.

I went up to Darwin to a meeting of the Australian Council of Deans representing the Australasian Association of Engineering Education.- my first trip to Darwin and after what seemed a successful meeting we had a flight in a restored DC3 - low altitude, low technology flight but the view at sunset was amazing. Then I flew home to NZ to catch up with Peter, family and friends and to touch base with some of my NZ working colleagues.

I was tickled pink by a quick phone call from Peter before I left Darwin to tell me that Jonathan and Olivia will be having a baby next March - yippee!

The first event was to watch Jonathan at the North Island Judo championships - as a Blue belt he was entering mainly for experience but threw himself ( quite literally) into each bout with gusto. He was beaten more than he won, but that might be expected with most other competitors being black and brown belts of considerably more experience - but he did win two matches and even beat a brown belt in one bout which made his day! (he is on the left in this photo - sorry it is not full of action - I do have a video but it takes forever to load). I wish I had taken a photo of his enormous grin after he won!

Then I had two days working at U of A which was good and pretty productive time with colleagues.

Then off for two days in the bus with Peter - we stayed the first night at Managanese Point near Whangarei and then drove out to Whangarei heads to Ocean Beach and over to the west coast and down to Helensville for the night by the Hot Pools. It was fun, our bus behaved beautifully and I slept so soundly.

Then I did the doctor, dentist, hairdresser thing and had a bunch of friends popping in until I left early Sunday morning. A bit hard to go and leave Peter, but he is doing well and is glad I am getting the chance to work at a job I am loving.

After changing the clothes in the suitcase had to fly up to Toowoomba Sunday afternoon - but more information about that in next post.