What it is to live in a house where at any time, unannounced, a furry missile comes launching at your legs and attaches to your ankles, hanging on for grim death with pin needle claws and teeth to aid the situation!
Yes this is what it is like to live with Molly the Missile Cat!!
Actually she is now about 7 weeks old and appears to have reached that stage where she can run around the house so fast we have no chance of catching her. She has a good little routine going. Eat, play, play, play, flop, drop, sleep then do it all again! Lovely personality. Snuggles in behind your ear while purring away and looks so lovely when asleep.
This is why you will understand how hard it is to give her up today to Louise from netball who promises she will take very good care of her. Molly is off to become Molly the Mouse Catching Cat. We will miss her ............
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Dog Collars
Dog collars I say. What's so special about them? Well they are foreign and alien objects to Samoan dogs that is for sure! Something to be extremely wary about!! After talking to Adam's sister over Christmas on Skype we figured it was time to try and train our 2 Samoan dogs a bit, starting with them getting used to wearing dog collars. With a collar we figure we have something to grab them by and if we get that far, something to tie them up with!
Old Man was of course absolutely no problem. Sat there and let us put his collar on and didn't bat an eyelid. He is a pretty laid back fellow. Always estatic to see us as he comes lolling up with his tongue hanging out and head on one side. Lucky on the other hand is another kettle of fish. I thought this was going to be a major achievement to get anywhere near her with the collar.
Anyway Adam agreed to what he called my "softly softly approach" so I began a weeks intensive training in "what is this collar thing"?, "see the collar does not bite if it is near you", "see the collar does not stop you eating your dinner if it is on the ground next to your bowl", "see I can still pat you with one hand while I have said collar in the other". She was still a bit jumpy every time she saw the collar come out however managed to stay with me when I had it in hand. By the end of the week I figured it was now or never so, yes big meanie, I attacked dog with collar while she was eating her dinner. Job done!! Easier than I thought. Got it clipped on before she knew it and she didn't really even react to it. It is still on and she does not seem bothered so now we have 2 flash dogs running around with 2 blue (of course) collars on!!
Next is to master the art of giving the dog a bath, teaching them to jump up into the boot of the car on their own (incase we need a vet check or have to run from another tsunami) and perhaps a few more commands to be obeyed such as "come" and "stay". We seem to have "sit" and "tummy" (to be tickled) down pat. I notice the fun things have been achieved first!
Old Man was of course absolutely no problem. Sat there and let us put his collar on and didn't bat an eyelid. He is a pretty laid back fellow. Always estatic to see us as he comes lolling up with his tongue hanging out and head on one side. Lucky on the other hand is another kettle of fish. I thought this was going to be a major achievement to get anywhere near her with the collar.
Anyway Adam agreed to what he called my "softly softly approach" so I began a weeks intensive training in "what is this collar thing"?, "see the collar does not bite if it is near you", "see the collar does not stop you eating your dinner if it is on the ground next to your bowl", "see I can still pat you with one hand while I have said collar in the other". She was still a bit jumpy every time she saw the collar come out however managed to stay with me when I had it in hand. By the end of the week I figured it was now or never so, yes big meanie, I attacked dog with collar while she was eating her dinner. Job done!! Easier than I thought. Got it clipped on before she knew it and she didn't really even react to it. It is still on and she does not seem bothered so now we have 2 flash dogs running around with 2 blue (of course) collars on!!
Next is to master the art of giving the dog a bath, teaching them to jump up into the boot of the car on their own (incase we need a vet check or have to run from another tsunami) and perhaps a few more commands to be obeyed such as "come" and "stay". We seem to have "sit" and "tummy" (to be tickled) down pat. I notice the fun things have been achieved first!
Mania
I drove down town last week and I feared for my life - honestly!! My Grandad used to say that NZers were the worst drivers ever and if you can drive in NZ then you can drive anywhere in the world. I think maybe he had not visited Samoa! What with the rain and the pot holes (as quick as they fill them they open up again), the general state of the roads, no traffic markings and road rules that appear to be optional - you run the gauntlet for sure! You have to try and miss the people ambling across the road, watch out for cars pulling out into the flow and pushing in, watch for cars stopping in the middle of the road to let others in, stopping (again in the middle of the road) to talk to their mates ..... the list goes on. You sure need your wits about you at all times. No wandering mind or watching the sights. Eyes straight ahead and paying attention thank you. Lets not even mention the left hand drive vehicles with limited driver vision or the major road works which will be great when they are done but in the mean time add to the general state of confusion.
Got home with no dings in the car. Much to be thankful for!! Glad I don't have to deal with that daily maddness. And I moved to Samoa for the quiet life!
Got home with no dings in the car. Much to be thankful for!! Glad I don't have to deal with that daily maddness. And I moved to Samoa for the quiet life!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Netball Squad Announced
Talofa all
The team has finally been announced in the Samoa Observer today. Check out a great article here http://www.samoaobserver.ws/ for the names of the players in the squad for 2010. Article is titled "Netball's 2010 challenge". It might not be up until tomorrow though as they are a day behind on the web site. Looks like it's South Africa touring here later in the year to play too which will be great.
To the person from Sydney who asked me if their friend has got in, looks like she has and there is a great photo of her in action at the trials in the article. Check it out!
The team has finally been announced in the Samoa Observer today. Check out a great article here http://www.samoaobserver.ws/ for the names of the players in the squad for 2010. Article is titled "Netball's 2010 challenge". It might not be up until tomorrow though as they are a day behind on the web site. Looks like it's South Africa touring here later in the year to play too which will be great.
To the person from Sydney who asked me if their friend has got in, looks like she has and there is a great photo of her in action at the trials in the article. Check it out!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Netball, Netball, Netball....
What a treat. 3 solid days of netball!! Had to take annual leave of course but luckily the boss agreed so I have spent the last 3 days at the courts doing Umpiring training with visiting NZ Netball assessor David. We have done a lot of theory on the rules and sat the Centre level theory paper (the first paper). Passed that OK.
The Samoa National Netball squad have also been trialling for the team to go to the Pacific Games in the Cook Islands and to the Commonwealth Games later in the year so this has co-incided with our Umpiring training and given us games to do. Bit nerve wracking being in charge of international players but all in all the game is the same and is played the same no matter who they are! The team has been selected now and there is a practice game tonight between the Samoa National team and the Samoa Mens team. I will be sitting the practical part of my exam tonight during this game.
After this there is a plan in place for a sub-committee of the Samoa Netball Association to work on Umpiring and getting some people in Samoa qualifed to NZC level before the end of 2011 so that is giving me something to focus on. More theory exams, more practical assessments and I have to reach 7 on the Beep test for fitness. There is more to Umpiring than what anyone ever expects!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Samoa National Netball squad have also been trialling for the team to go to the Pacific Games in the Cook Islands and to the Commonwealth Games later in the year so this has co-incided with our Umpiring training and given us games to do. Bit nerve wracking being in charge of international players but all in all the game is the same and is played the same no matter who they are! The team has been selected now and there is a practice game tonight between the Samoa National team and the Samoa Mens team. I will be sitting the practical part of my exam tonight during this game.
After this there is a plan in place for a sub-committee of the Samoa Netball Association to work on Umpiring and getting some people in Samoa qualifed to NZC level before the end of 2011 so that is giving me something to focus on. More theory exams, more practical assessments and I have to reach 7 on the Beep test for fitness. There is more to Umpiring than what anyone ever expects!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kitty
So we are back and within a few days have managed to acquire a kitten that needs looking after! I know I know you are all rolling your eye balls. Seems we have become the shelter for homeless animals around here. She is only 3-4 weeks old. Nearly gave her back after the first night as forgot how hard it is to have a dependent little thing needing your attention all the time. Either Adam or I had to keep an eye on her as she had not learnt about the dirt box so there were puddles happening in all corners of the house!!! Also same as when we got Jacky we had no bowls or boxes or anything for a cat!
This is how it happened. We heard "Hello - Hello" being called out and went out to the gate to find the neighbour standing there with a tiny fur ball. As the neighbours dogs and child were not proving positive for a little kitten she asked if we could help. Adam on one look was sold (ha ha I get my story in first!!)
We took her inside and promptly had to find a food and water bowl and something to use as a dirt box. Disposable plates and a cut down ice cream container had to do. There was no news paper in the house so paper towels it was and the poor thing had to eat dog food on the first night. Needless to say we got a bit more organised the next day especially after consulting the internet in how to look after a kitten so young.
Pleased to say after a week though she is now toilet trained and has learnt not to lie in her dinner and push it about with her feet as she sucks it up like a hoover! Very messy this technique. A piece of paper tied to garden twine is a great toy as is a toilet roll that blows conveniently around the lounge under fan breeze.
She is a happy and contented and well behaved kitty. Puts herself to bed in the bathroom and has a great personality. Bit of an ankle biter though!
We are going to be giving her up though as have found a home for her with someone who wants a cat. She will stay with us a couple more weeks until she is a bit older. It will be hard to let her go but we can't really manage with a cat as well as 2 dogs in our small house and who will look after her when we are away? No such thing as a cattery in Samoa!
Here she is. Molly (after our friend Molia).
Monday, January 11, 2010
Back "on island"
Talofa all
Yes back "on island" as the locals refer to being back in Samoa as!!
We had a fantastic, frantic 3 weeks in NZ. Thanks to all our family and friends who we got to see and who fed us lovely lovely NZ food (and now we are running on the sea wall to shift the extra rubber tyre!!)
Did some fantistic things while we were away such as going up north of Auckland to the wineries, Leigh saw mill for lunch, Morris and James pottery and craft places, Matakana for icecream... the list goes on. And that was just one fantastic day out! Also had Christmas at Latika and Hedleys then Boxing day was a quick trip to Wellington for Angela to surprise all her family with a visit, at Nana's house, arriving back in Auckland in time to win the 2009 cork count at the Parker residence!
We then spent a week camping in Havelock North and some time in Napier shopping (yes a pre-requisite of the trip!) and Flaxmere seeing family again.
New Year was spent at the camp site sitting out under the canvas dressed in long pants, socks, hooded sweatshirts and a blanket. Yes it was a bit cold. Even the hardened kiwi campers had the fan heater on under the awning!! We did attend the open air movies though at Black Barn Winery and it was a lovely night then. Saw Separation City a NZ film set in Wellington which had it's funny moments but also underlying depressing story lines!
Took the bus to Palmerston North and the closer we got the more the wind got up so we were swaying around and were then greeted with gale force breezes we couldn't stand up in and rain pelting on our window panes!! Welcome back to Palmy that is for sure. Caught up with some friends there and got a quick bit of shopping done before heading to Paraparaumu.
Jackie remembered us. Ahhhhhh isn't that lovely. She is thoroughly spoilt at Mum and Dads and seems to love living there. We had a day at our beach house in Waitarere fixing the water pump and preparing the house to be inhabited by friends who are coming over from the UK to get married in ..... wait for it ..... Levin of all places!!! I hope they can fit in there with all our stuff. Nice to see the place again though and again be welcomed with sand in the face as it blew up Waitarere Beach Road!
Then it was time for the Birthdays. Went to see the Lovely Bones and out for Mediterranean Pizza's for lunch for Mum's Birthday then through to Wanganui to say farewell to my brother, sister in law and nephew who incidentally has started crawling and been introduced to the joys of eating toffee pops while in NZ!!!
Went to see Avatar in 3D for Adam's birthday along with Nana (aged 87) and we all loved it. It is absolutely awesome and if nothing else you should go see it for the special effects. This is going to be the future of movie making and was an experience for the senses. We left there thinking WOW and were still talking about it over dinner at Lone Star in Petone.
Birthday number 2 for Adam was a picnic at One Tree Hill, dinner at Sails nice restaurant in Auckland Harbour and the Peter Blake exhibition at the Maritime Museum.
Flew out from Auckland yesterday. So funny to see everyone we knew on the flight. One of the teachers from the school with her children, the vet (so that's who the cat carry case on the conveyor belt belonged to? no cat I add hastily), the Deputy Prime Minister and the ex Dean of Alafua Campus. Surprising the plane managed to take off with our 3 suitcases loaded in the hold!!! Note to self - do less shopping next time!!
Thanks to all for another great Christmas and New Year in NZ. Now you all have to get planning and saving for the 40th Birthday party we are planning for 2011 in Samoa. Watch this space...
Yes back "on island" as the locals refer to being back in Samoa as!!
We had a fantastic, frantic 3 weeks in NZ. Thanks to all our family and friends who we got to see and who fed us lovely lovely NZ food (and now we are running on the sea wall to shift the extra rubber tyre!!)
Did some fantistic things while we were away such as going up north of Auckland to the wineries, Leigh saw mill for lunch, Morris and James pottery and craft places, Matakana for icecream... the list goes on. And that was just one fantastic day out! Also had Christmas at Latika and Hedleys then Boxing day was a quick trip to Wellington for Angela to surprise all her family with a visit, at Nana's house, arriving back in Auckland in time to win the 2009 cork count at the Parker residence!
We then spent a week camping in Havelock North and some time in Napier shopping (yes a pre-requisite of the trip!) and Flaxmere seeing family again.
New Year was spent at the camp site sitting out under the canvas dressed in long pants, socks, hooded sweatshirts and a blanket. Yes it was a bit cold. Even the hardened kiwi campers had the fan heater on under the awning!! We did attend the open air movies though at Black Barn Winery and it was a lovely night then. Saw Separation City a NZ film set in Wellington which had it's funny moments but also underlying depressing story lines!
Took the bus to Palmerston North and the closer we got the more the wind got up so we were swaying around and were then greeted with gale force breezes we couldn't stand up in and rain pelting on our window panes!! Welcome back to Palmy that is for sure. Caught up with some friends there and got a quick bit of shopping done before heading to Paraparaumu.
Jackie remembered us. Ahhhhhh isn't that lovely. She is thoroughly spoilt at Mum and Dads and seems to love living there. We had a day at our beach house in Waitarere fixing the water pump and preparing the house to be inhabited by friends who are coming over from the UK to get married in ..... wait for it ..... Levin of all places!!! I hope they can fit in there with all our stuff. Nice to see the place again though and again be welcomed with sand in the face as it blew up Waitarere Beach Road!
Then it was time for the Birthdays. Went to see the Lovely Bones and out for Mediterranean Pizza's for lunch for Mum's Birthday then through to Wanganui to say farewell to my brother, sister in law and nephew who incidentally has started crawling and been introduced to the joys of eating toffee pops while in NZ!!!
Went to see Avatar in 3D for Adam's birthday along with Nana (aged 87) and we all loved it. It is absolutely awesome and if nothing else you should go see it for the special effects. This is going to be the future of movie making and was an experience for the senses. We left there thinking WOW and were still talking about it over dinner at Lone Star in Petone.
Birthday number 2 for Adam was a picnic at One Tree Hill, dinner at Sails nice restaurant in Auckland Harbour and the Peter Blake exhibition at the Maritime Museum.
Flew out from Auckland yesterday. So funny to see everyone we knew on the flight. One of the teachers from the school with her children, the vet (so that's who the cat carry case on the conveyor belt belonged to? no cat I add hastily), the Deputy Prime Minister and the ex Dean of Alafua Campus. Surprising the plane managed to take off with our 3 suitcases loaded in the hold!!! Note to self - do less shopping next time!!
Thanks to all for another great Christmas and New Year in NZ. Now you all have to get planning and saving for the 40th Birthday party we are planning for 2011 in Samoa. Watch this space...
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