Shane Batchelor (Page 4)

Late post but better late than never aye! Wow! The Australian National Rugby League Magic Round… What a tournament to go to. The trip had been planned four months ago and it’s amazing how time flys. Jude and I were really please to be included in the group that her son Tom and daughter in-law affectionately called Kimbo by us. Others joining us were Dave, Jude’s oldest son and wife Ruth, Dave Lyndsay and partner Nik, dear friends of Tom’s Jake and partner and Adam whom all reside in Aussie. Wednesday afternoon we all headed to Frankton for the night as had an early riseRead More →

What a weekend, starting on Friday with an early rise to attend the Dawn Parade which was well patronised by Otautau and surrounding districts, the Emergency Services (Fire Rescue & Ambulance) whom marched to the cenotaph to pay their respects. Jude’s sons Tom & Sam both Volunteer Firefighters looked smart in their No1s and Jude was so proud of them. It was a privilege for Sam to lower and raise our nations flag. The weather was cool but fine with a light fog lifting which added to the atmosphere of the occasion. After the ceremony we attended the morning cuppa and nibbles before heading backRead More →

Above photo – by Jude. This has been a wonderful Easter weekend as Jude and I managed to catch up with some dear friends that we had not seen for a while. It was also a good weekend of NRL action which seen my Warriors pull off a fantastic win against the QLD Broncos and Judes favourite team the Panthers having a good win. Today my grand daughter completed her 11th circuit of the sun and was good to hop into Invercargill to wish her a happy birthday and of course drop her gift off. Tonight we enjoyed an amazing bao dinner with Traeger cookedRead More →

The finishing touches being done to the chicken coop that Tom has named “Cluckin Inn “. Water proofing done mesh around the fence line done, hay in the laying boxes, gates for access, rat traps set auto-water and feeder ready. Now just need some chalkies. Although Autumn has arrived and the nights grow in length, the garden still looks pretty good. The tunnel house giving the last of the summer rewards of strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce’s and other salad favorites. Jude and I feeling pretty happy at the produce this year. Good 7 sacks of potatoes from the spud patch Jude and I put in beforeRead More →

Above Picture – Tom shows he’s getting the hang of it. With the weather promising to be a good day we decided to join Tom and Kimbo at Colac Bay and watch Tom smash a few waves. Jude and I were in charge of the BBQ , Blake was the deterrent of other unwanted K-9s plus I was the man in charge of the photography for the morning. Lot of others surfers had the same idea to hit Colac Nay for some pretty good sets coming in. All in all a fantastic day.Read More →

It’s been 5 years since I needed an alteration to my facial carburettors intake port. I was put on a waiting list and during that time, made to feel like they had not forgotten about me by giving me the occasional visit to 3 different consultants. The last time I heard from the Ill Health Service was June last year when they called to ask if I still wanted to have the surgery… upon saying yes they then said they had no idea when or if I would get an operation done as they were short of Surgeons and places… While Jude and I wereRead More →