A slow week...

Well it's been a slow week for several reasons.
1. the dust balls were chasing us around the house;
2. Breeana and Mackenzie were out of clothes;
3. there wasn't much food left to eat;
4. Kathy's was sick with a cold; and
5. Mike had to work.

So we kept it simple. We ventured out to the west coast for the first time to a place called Dargaville. The drive was good. We saw more cows and sheep that you could shake a stick at! We drove straight for about 50 km. Something we hadn't done for a while since most of the roads we've traveled usually twist and turn.

Dargaville is the nation's Kumara capital. Once a central trading centre at the turn of the century, given it's location on the Wairoa River, houses a wonderful museum depicting the period. It is also home to the holdest kauri tree in the country which we didn't see... that's our travel guide's fault!


We finally had, beleive or not, two days of superb weather = NO rain! That's right people, not one single drop and almost 20 degrees temperature:)

We started off the weekend at the local market to purchase some fresh fruits and vegetables. It was great to see everyone with smiles on their faces. It reminded us of back home when everyone walks around with a "permagrin" following those first few days of warm weather after a harsh winter. We try not to smile when people here say that it's been a hard winter - lots of rain! We tell them about the winter we had last year and say at least it ain't snow! They smile but we don't think they can really appreciate what 14 feet of snow actually looks like. It's just one of those things that you have to experience!

With our purchases done, we hooked up with Scott, Tanya and their kids and made our way out to Patua. So far one of the best spots we've been to with the girls. So much so that we went back on Sunday. It's got the best of both worlds - an estuary surrounded by trees with shallow water for Mackenzie to play in and an ocean side with lots of waves. Both of which are blessed with beautiful white beaches. So we palyed in the sand, burried our feet and hands, got a good dose of vitamine D and snacked on some goodies. What a great weekend!

Already week four...

Well, the best way to describe this past week is to call it "social". It revolved around people, food and drink. We were fortunate enough to get several strong doses of kiwi hospitality!!!

It all started on Sunday when Michael's "watch" hosted a get together so that we could meet everyone. Corey and Jenine, our gracious hosts, opened their beautiful home to everyone. We were instructed to bring a "plate". Luckily Sarah and Fraser told us that a "plate" means to bring a dish. The equivalent of a "pot-luck" dinner at home.



The evening was wonderful. It was filled with lots, lots, and lots of great food (we had probably one of hte best homemade seafood chowder ever!) good dring and amazing company. It was really nice to meet everyone and their families. Mackenzie made a whole bunch of new friends. The older kids loved plauing with her... she's like a doll to them. Breeana was the social butterfly, as usual, letting everyone hold her!



Come Monday, the boys were back to work! So we just putts around the early part of the week. Went into town a couple of times to walk around, grocery shop and the like. However, we were on a mission to track down a "raclette". Hit every store in town looking for one. NO luck so we settle dfor a fondu set. The fondu set wasn't easty to find either. It was only sold in two spots but at least we found one! We were keen to track one down since we were hosting our first dinner party at the house on Friday.



Friday! our first dinner party. We had a few people over for a nice fondu dinner. A few of our guests hadn't enjoyed a fondu dinner before. All initial feddback has been positive. We will most definately have a fondu dinner again. We had a lovely time. It had been a while since we hosted a dinner party... probably before Breeana arrived!



Satruday, we recuperated and ventured out to Kerikeri. A small town about 1 hour 1/2 away. Very quaint! Unfortunately, all the shops were closed...why you ask...well of course they were closed because it was sunny! It was the first nice sunny day on the weekend so the shop owners decided to close for the day! Luckily the local restaurant/pub was open so we could enjoy some lunch.



The highlight of our week was obviously Sunday - September 14th - Mackenzie's 2nd Birthday! Goo friends' of Sarah & Fraser, Jill and Manfred, held a get together/Birthday party for us. It was a wonderful afternoo. We got to meet many of Fraser and Sarah's close friends and celebrate Mackenzie's Birthday surrounded by our new friends and surrogate family. Mackenzie was so spoiled. She received lots of stuff, a homemade birthday cake and enough balloons that we had to wigh her to the ground so that she wouldn't fly off!!! Again, kiwi hospitality made us feel welcomed!

Week three...

Well, if you have had a chance to read a little about the area where we are located, you will know that there are approximately 120 beaches only a 30 mins to 1 hour drive from our house! That's right 120!!! Given this fact, we decided that we best get started and explore them if we wanted to see them all. Conveniently, some of the most beautifuls ones are only a stone throw away.

The main highway - no. 1 - is two lanes filled with twists and turns (brings back memories of our adventures through the Mexican Sierra mountains minus the crazy mexican driver!), which can be a challenge for those who suffer from motion sickness. However, there is something to be said about roads that don't taking over the landscape!

Here are some views that were taken on our way to Matapouri. A beautiful beach located only 30 mins away!

Here is Matapouri....

Although spring has officially arrived, it doesn't mean that it stops raining 5-10 times a day or that you won't see at least 3-5 rainbows in a day. It just means that we are that much closer to a "snowless" Christmas! Ha! Ha!

Our second outing took us to Whananaki and Moreeses Bay. Granted the weather wasn't the greatest - cloudy, off/on rain - but who cares... it ain't snow! Soooo we didn't let the clouds and rain scare us away from finding these beautiful places. Places where Fraser and Sarah recently celebrated their wedding this past April. Talk about an amazing backdrop for photos...

As you can see, a "boggieboard" enthusiast's dream location..."Bring it on!" Says Breeana - That's our girl! Eric, Andrea ready to take on the waves!

We are definitely looking forward to some summer weather to enjoy the beach and the sun in our bathing suits!

Yesterday we ventured south to Warkworth, Leigh, Goat Island and Matakana.

Warkworth was very nice. Almost like a little town that you would see in the Eastern Townships. Quainte little boutiques and coffee shops. Lots of people. We didn't stay long as our mission was to have internationally renowned fish-n-chip! So we pressed on to Leigh. The drive there was beautiful - as usual!

We finally arrived, found the restaurant, tummies grumbling and....the place was closed for renovations! Opening on Thursday!!! Oh well. So instead we found this cool restaurant called "The Sawmill Cafe". Cool because it was previously and old mill. They kept the main architecture mill, old beams and all. They used some of the old blades as tables! Really cool. Good food. We discovered Kumara (?)= a local sweet potatoe. Something different is that you don't tip here. All prices include GST and Service fees. Waiters and waitresses don't make minimum wage here. They get paid $16-$18 an hour.

Once our bellies were filled, we drove to the Marine Reserve since we had missed the glass bottom boat ride. Just one of those days. Oh well! We still really enjoyed the reserve.

Our next stop was Morrisson & James - a well know ceramic/pottery shop. All made on location. We found the place - no problem - place WAS OPEN - knew our luck would change:) Beautiful stuff. We will definately need to consider purchasing some of the tiles, plates, vases for our new place in Chelsea.

Off to Matakana - Another beautiful little town filled with boutiques and coffee shops. We didn't stop since the girls were passed out. We decided that it was time to head back home after a full day.

Anyhow, it's not like we won't go back!

Along our way to all of these destinations, the road was lined with vineyards, winerys, artisans. Reminiscent of the Niagara area and the Eastern Townships.

All in all another great week!

Week three...back to work...

Well my holiday had to come to an end... I officially started my first shift with the New Zealand fire service on Sunday. Lots to learn. Tons of different stuff from their equipment down to their procedures and techniques. Here are some of the ways they differ from Ottawa:

- NO above ground hydrants rather markings on the road to indicate water source and location
- The use of high pressure attack lines (2500-3500 kap)
- Both pump and rescue have high and low capabilities to deliver water
- Cupplings are instaneous and therefore easy remove and reconnect
- All guys get two sets of bunker gear, a work coat for non-fire related calls, bedding and towels
- Manditory 1hr of physical training daily- gym is loaded with up to date and working equipment; and
- Watch desk has 4 computers for men working and the officers have each there own!

The guys think we are crazy for performing roof operations. It is a needless risk in their eyes. Most of the dewellings are your classic bungalow style house. The windows in most of these homes are single glazed and therefore I'm told are for the most part already vented by the time we arrive. The equipment is quite similar just has a different name. The bangar is known as a 464 ladder. With these high pressure lines on reels there is no need for trash lines and for that matter no need to break off your lay as you have at your disposal 270 -300 meters to run with.

Their front line pump is a 17 meter Bronto with all the bells and whistles. The ride in this machine is the quietest drive. Not one rig back home can come close to how quiet their pump cruises around. When you press the gas you can feel the truck take off.

At a call the trucks radio and that of the guy's radios at the scene work independantly. The radio traffic is reduced significantly by removing verbal reports with numbers assigned to general terms. When on duty if you wish you can carry a pager however the station has tones and dispatch which gives you location and cross streets.

Week one is over and under my belt. The guys here are great and go out of their way to help me out. Found out I'm not the only Canadian lad working rather there is a guy from Edmonton who starts just after me. Someone to talk hockey with.

Their shift goes like this: two days followed by two nights with four off and repeats itself. On my second day we spent the afternoon cutting up a car, fun for a guy like myself (canary back home)
to see how things are done an actually partake.


The following night had my first car accident and what a sight! FYI - the driver survived the accident. Two nights later caught my first fire at a bar downtown nothing huge but it is nice to go through the paces and use what I have learned.

The fire station where I am stationned is the only paid fire station north of Auckland. The place is huge and has:

- Three drive-though bays
- Burn building at the rear
- Area to both repair SCBA and area to refill
- Typical mess hall
- Separate sleeping quarters for each man (don't hear SCRAPS snore anymore!!! LOL)
- Upstairs lounge/library
- Social hall with bar -YES ITS LOCKED
- Watch desk with 4 COMPUTERS
- Officers own room and computer
- Gym with working bikes and tread-mills

The station by far is the nicest and largest one that I have worked in and is the regional head-quaters for the rest of the north island. Just a couple of pics of the trucks.





Tune in for future work related adventures...