Xmas 2011 - Scalloping from A Slice Heaven

Irene and Rose keeping an eye on the time and watching for bubbles as Andy is diving with a tank at about 8 meters deep for scallops while Carl follows snorkeling above him.

 

The 'hunter and gathers' back on board A Slice of Heaven

Scallops - a great catch

That is a great catch of scallops.  If there is two people on board you are allowed to take 40 scallops but in this case we had six people on board Slice of Heaven so were allowed 20 more a total of sixty.  Of cause we had the most wonderful fresh scallop dinner that night.

Vita and Hadley's Wedding

Vita and Hadley's wedding was held in the historic Waimate North Hall a few kms from Kerikeri. The pictures on the left are of Vita's and Hadley's parents and Grandparents weddings. The center photo shows a beautifully decorated hall dating back to the 1850ies.

Vita arrives with her Father Carl on the Waimate North lawns with the marriage celebrant 'tying the knot' for the happy couple.

After the official ceremonies are over it is time for family photos. Rose and Carl, Vita's proud parents, Millie, Vita's sister who has flown in from Perth Australia, and Vita's Grandmother Gina and brother Nelson who has also flown in from Sydney Australia.

To the left Carl has the mic and the stage giving wisdom and council to the newly married couple.




The first family picture has from left to right Jim and Irena, Carl, Vita and Hadley, Rose, Kathy and Bill. The third picture is very special with Gina, her six sons and their families.

Thelma's Wake

Yvonne's Visit

In the latter part of August Yvonne flew in from Vancouver to spend some time with Thelma and the rest of the family.

Kath, Irena and Rose were nursing Thelma around the clock, but we were able to get out on the occasional trip. It is still early spring for a walk out to the Firth Museum and Tower. On another day, lunch was shared at the Kaimai Cheese Factory. Three sisters with Yvonne.

Family Dinner

It isn't all that often all three sisters get together with Thelma at the same time. Rose and Carl drove from Kerikeri yesterday and tonight we were all here for a Family Dinner.

Brunch in Matamata

When we arrived back in New Zealand Kathy went straight to Matamata to be with her Mum. A few days later I drove from Kerikeri to Matamata and on that Sunday a family brunch was organized. Thelma had a great chat with her two sisters, Vera and Marj.

Also seated around the table for brunch were Marj, Irena and Vita. On the other side are Norman and Vera. This was a special day for us to get together.

Surprise at YVR

This afternoon after finishing our packing up of Dutchess and Granny in Vernon, we flew out of Kelowna and were met at the Vancouver Airport by Al, Bea, June and Yvonne. We were looking forward to a chat before boarding our flight to Sydney and on to Auckland.

A surprise awaited us as Yvonne pulled plates and cutlery, then the 'real' surprise an Anniversary Cake to be enjoyed by all of us with teas and coffees. This surely must be a first for an airport send off.

Thanks to all of you for sending us off with such good memories.

Dinner for our 40th Anniversary

Our travel plans have changed and we are currently in Vernon putting Dutchess to bed for the winter as we will be flying back to New Zealand on the 2nd August as Kath's Mum is very ill. With a 'Milestone' Anniversary on the 31st we decided on a dinner for 2 at a very pleasant restaurant in Lumby just a half hour drive from Vernon.

Seated outside on a beautiful warm evening with a delicious meal was really enjoyed by both of us.

Reflection in the Gulf Islands

Last fall Brian and Marilyn became the proud owners of a 42 foot Nordic tug in partnership with their daughter and son in law.

In July on a visit to Victoria and Vancouver Island we were so fortunate to have a chance to spend a couple of days away on Reflection with Brian and Marilyn cruising in the Gulf Islands and staying overnight in Montague Provincial Park.


Montague Harbour and the Boston Whaler.








Down in the engine room with a Cummins turbo diesel.


Haven't had a chance for a crab feast for a long time.




Suzy in her favourite location and Marilyn in the Galley.

Passing in front of Reflection is a Salt Air Beaver on floats. Salt Air runs a scheduled service in the Gulf Islands and the West Coast.









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The main cabin at Happy Hour.









Good visibility and a challenging array of electronics on the control bridge.

Twin Spirits in Montague Harbour

Dinner at Brian and Marilyn's

Stanley Park

Vancouver Rowing Club and the Harbour.

Totem Poles.