Seasons Full Circle: 2015

Monday, 10 August 2015

My Dad

I have just come back from Dunedin from visiting my dad in hospital. I was inspired to share some thoughts and reflections on my dad from the recent past when reading about Kay's dad on her recent post. Since in my early 20's my dad and I have shared a special relationship around sporting endeavours. I had a game of pool with dad in Dunedin in the nursing home, Little Sisters two weeks ago. Sadly it was nothing like old times as dad was very confused about what balls to hit and that you have to hit the white ball first...old age can be cruel. My dad is now 84 but only 4 years ago he was a lot sharper. Here is a tongue and cheek account of one of those times!

Thrashed

Oh the embarrassment! Cleaned up by my 80 year young father!

I suppose I shouldn't take it so hard as he has regularly beaten me in my earlier contests with him. In fact he has been consistently competitive over the years and we have brought out the best and worst in each other at times. Neither of us likes to lose.

I should be philosophical about the result as I did gain a convincing victory last time and I did have some bad luck this time. But some how this does not seem to bring me any solace!

I'm beginning to sound more like John all the time. Must have read too many of his blogs. If only I could express my feelings as well as he! If I could you would truly understand how devastating this defeat was!

I suppose you are saying to yourself ''Get over it man. It's only a game!''. If only I could take some consolation in that thought!

I mean the humiliation. How can I possibly hold my head high when I've been comprehensively thrashed 4-0. I suppose there will be other days and hopefully better days where I can restore some self respect.

Back to the drawing board. Out with the pool cue and a strict practising regime before I head back down to Dunedin again to find some redemption. That is if my dad is gracious enough and willing to allow me the chance to challenge him again. He may now think I am not sufficiently skilled for him to bother playing with.

Can only hope I can pick up the pieces and get myself sorted out before next time.

I do apologise for my ramblings and the negative depressing nature of this blog. Do forgive me. It has been a long upsetting and trying day in coming to terms with my recent defeat.

Thrashed in pool 4 - 0 by my ageing father. The shame!

At Christmas in Nelson in 2011 [with Bernard, Catherine, Margaret, Vincent and myself]

With my sisters Margaret and Catherine

Sunday, 9 August 2015

My Beautiful Lady

Inspired by Flower Lady Lorraine's post on her lovely roses I want to dedicate this post to my lovely lady, Lea! She will hate me for this but never mind I will live with the repercussions. As embarrassed as she might be I'm sure she appreciates my sentiments. It is a song I wrote 3 months ago. Will try and get a recording made and posted at a later date!

Being with you warms me inside
Being with you at morning rise
My beautiful lady stay close to me
My beautiful lady you are to me

From the moment I met you found true love
From that moment in time from heaven above
You are my world...you make me whole
I love you dear lady heart and soul

Be mine to hold through good and bad
Be mine to cherish through happy and sad
Be mine forever for the rest of our days
Be mine my dearest...be mine

I will hold your hand when you need a friend
I will hold you close until the end
I will be your lover through the passing years
I will be here always in world we share

My beautiful lady...my beautiful lady
My beautiful lady...stay here with me

Friday, 7 August 2015

Kate's Graduation

As mentioned all those months ago my oldest girl was finishing a Human Nutrition degree. Well she has finished and has the certificate and cap to prove it.

I am a very proud dad.

Kate with her partner, Jason

Will catch up with you all soon from kiwi land!

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

Catching up with family

As the school holidays are a distant memory and I'm back in the grind I reflect on recent catch ups with my girls.

I have been fortunate over the last few years to have regular contact with my oldest daughter, Kate. She has been studying Human Nutrition at Massey University, an hour up the road. Alice has been a year training as a medic in the army and is based in Christchurch in the South Island. I caught up with them both for a week here in Paraparaumu Beach and spent a few days in Mt Maunganui, staying near the beach. It was hot and swimming at the beach was great.

[From left Kate, Alice and myself at Mt Maunganui]

Celebrating my birthday on January 13th

Hope all is well with my patient blogging followers. I have had difficulty uploading photos onto my blog from home. I am posting this from school as I prepare for an 80 km after school cycle ride. Will take some photos to include in my next post.

Friday, 30 January 2015

The World of Cycling

My Dear Readers

Hoping to touch base with you all! Will write this post and go and catch up!

Many of you have heard various running and cycling stories from now long ago. Since my cycling accident March 2012 I have become more of a cyclist than runner. Strange you might think due to the seriousness of my accident. Unfortunately, against common sense, I have caught the cycling bug and love getting into my lycras.

Have just found a connection to download from my camera so here is another cycling adventure.

It is the middle of summer here and we have been blessed with 4 sunny days in succession. I thought I would take advantage of the lovely still weather to take you on one of my cycling training rides. Just a short one today of about 25 miles or 40 km in kiwi language. Please try and keep up as the pace gets a bit steady at times. Will give you a moment to catch your breath periodically and take in the scenery.