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!