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In: Otautau Sport, Sport

This week Jude and I thought it was time to give the farm and its habitants a break and support the grandchildren in their sports. First was on Sunday at Turnbull Thompson watching Russell playing Football for his team Queens Park Football Club (QP) against Waihopai. The weather was absolutely pathetic lol, with constant rain, at least it wasn’t too cold and only a light breeze and a good set of wet weather gear kept us happy and fortunately they were on the artificial turf. Russell is playing well and we have enjoyed watching him develop into a fine player. Right from the kick offRead More →

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Was a mild morning with a southerly breeze so straight after a morning cup of tea, we enjoyed a brisk walk around the Invercargill Estuary Track. Notice a large number of ducks, Royal Spoonbills and Swans on the estuary… I sure there will be more seeking safety in the no shooting zone this weekend as the seasonal duck shoot starts. After the walk it was time for a coffee. A month or so ago Jude had heard of a coffee roaster situated on Leven St, Invercargill and had purchased some of their coffee beans to try of which we were quite happy with the flavourRead More →

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Three nights ago 18th April while walking outside to head over to see Sam and Amanda, Jude looks up and spots a lightish glow in the evening sky. It was a unexpected Aurora, the Southern Lights is always a spectacular event especially when the skies allow a clear and grand view. Out comes her camera and the compulsory “Shane you will look and share with me!” look. I must say that it doesn’t excite me as much as my girl gets excited, but hey I do enjoy the look of utter joy on her face with such events. The iPhone camera like most of themRead More →

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Yesterday was my little sisters 65th birthday and to celebrate this special birthday, Jude and I joined my sister Colleen (birthday girl) and her partner Grant and Sue Kereama and husband Barry at Ziffs Restaurant out at Otatara. Unfortunately my sister Dale and and her good man Joe could not be there due to that seasonal virus that had knocked them pretty hard… hope you guys make a speedy recovery.. We had been to Ziffs before after a walk around Fosbender Park for a coffee, so it was good to see how a evening would go. Well the main course was surprisingly very good andRead More →

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It’s become a seasonal task growing spuds for the family and so as per ritual early in the summer Jude and I cleared a bit of a paddock, rotary hoe’d enough soil to dig in 5 rows of potatoes. Yesterday we dug up the bounty a mix of Agria, Desiree and Purple Passion. Leaving them out over night and this morning to dry off. This afternoon we managed to fill four sacks of potato’s that should see everyone through to next season (hopefully). Nice of Tessa to come over with the sack and help with filling.Read More →

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It’s been a quite a long time in the Deep South this year as we have allowed time for Judes hip to make a full recovery… well that only took 6 weeks anyway. Now months later still here and have enjoyed doing little jobs around Tom & Kimbo’s cottage, constantly taking Blake for walks around the farm and a few day tramps such as Aparima Hut and Long Hilly Track. Tried my hand at carpentry putting shelves up in the cottage using all recycled timber and iron which gave me a justifiable excuse to buy a bench top planer and thickenesser.😁👍🏼 The Shelves were fromRead More →