We had a lovely visit to Picton today. There is so much to do on the foreshore for the kids during the holidays. In the picture they can sail toy yachts for 20c, there is no time limit and they just love it.
I had forgotten my subscription to this application and so I have been putting together some of my pictures I have had stored on Flickr.
I hope you enjoy the presentations!
Here we have the first of Christmas 09 video's made with pictures I have taken.
Over the weekend, we went to New Plymouth and watched Fleetwood Mac in concert.
I must admit to being just a little worried when I arranged everything a few months ago even down to being anxious about travelling around the country and leaving the girls at home.
Our hero childcare person came in the form of Claudia, she has nannied for us in the past from when the girls were in pre school and I was working until she went to university. Whenever she comes home for the holidays she always contacts us to ask about visiting the girls and so she was the first person I cantacted to ask to babysit whilst we were away.
I get the usual 'wobbles' and always get concerned about what will happen if we are involved in an accident whilst we are away. What will happen to the girls? Anyhow for once, I had to bury such thoughts and carry on.
I discovered on the day of booking the concert tickets that it is a logistical nightmare then arranging, accomodation and transport. The flights were going to cost $1,300 for both of us and that is if they had been available! I landed lucky with accomodation and found a motel which was within 15mins walking distance from the venue with just one studio available hurriedly I booked it.
We travelled on the 6.25am ferry to Wellington and then drove for 5hrs to New Plymouth. We were shattered when we arrived but thankfully we had a couple of hours before we had to go to the event so we had an afternoon nap.
I was chomping at the bit to get to the venue and Chris calmly explained that even though the gates opened at 6pm we didn't need to be there at that time, (did I mention I had never been to a concert before?). I managed to hold myself back for at least an extra 15mins and we arrived in our seats at 6.30pm. From that point onwards we never left our seats, we didn't drink anything because that meant we may have to visit the toilet mid performance! I wish those around us could have followed the same rule. They were up, down walking down the row of people making everyone stand up for them far too frequently just to come back with another 4 cans of beer or for the 5th glass of wine. I felt like asking, "Did you actually come to watch and listen to Fleetwood Mac or did you come to drink wine and beer?"
Anyhow the warm up band from Lyttleton did a great job, but I fail to recall their name which will be frustrating for the band themselves. I am just grateful they won't read this blog!
Then the inevitable happened Fleetwood Mac arrived on stage. I sat mesmerised through the whole performance. Stevie Nicks was amazing, and regardless of the lack of class of the reporter for the local paper who claimed her voice was not quite the same as it used to be demonstrated, she is like a very fine wine which matures and becomes more rounded at time goes by. Lindsay Buckingham was a god with the guitar. His rendition of "Big Love" with only his guitar, no other instruments on stage and to feel the emotion he poured into the song was breathtaking.
I was desperate a number of times to jump out of my seat, but we were surrounded by an obvious middle class 40 somethings who could afford the tickets and who demonstrated a reserved appreciation for the music that is until three songs from the end. It was at this point everyone seemed to be on their feet clapping, singing and dancing their hearts out!
I left the venue hoarse and with a sore throat. It was fantastic to hear a band which were better live than anything I have ever heard on CD.
We had a ball!
I have had a frustrating couple of days.
This afternoon we visited the Christmas parade in Blenheim.
The biggest and the best Christmas parade yet that we have seen since arriving in Blenheim nearly 6yrs ago.
The day threatened rain early on with dark clouds hovering angrily over the town. However they soon parted to allow the sunshine to shine brightly down on the floats as they went by.
The girls soon found their hands over flowing with lollies and chocolates which were handed out by the participants.
The biggest ooooo's and ahhhhh's were reserved for the SPCA who came past showing off the dogs which are currently up for adoption. My favourites are the bearded cross collies which are there awaiting a new home. I know I daren't visit the sanctuary because if I did I would be coming away with a new dog and Chris would not be pleased!
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