America: Our Home away from Home (away from home)

It has been 2 months since my last posting and these are my sins. Wait, sorry...wrong opener. Anyway, a lot has happened in two months: a visit from Nani, multiple domestic excursions, a tropical interlude, and finally, the big shift to the northern hemisphere (a.k.a. winter). I'm writing now 3 days out from Thanksgiving in Virginia and just starting to slow down on eating. Complements of Uncle Shawn and family, Little Man successfully navigated his first turkey day, scooting his way among adult legs and runabout toddlers. Yes sir, a lot to be thankful for. We miss you Aotearoa.

Check out my mum, Nani, shredding in Queenstown. Live young and prosper y'all.

Out.

Bipedalism: The Next Step

Several days ago, after becoming overly frustrated spending five minutes flat on my belly, I had a spontaneous realization that I could, through determination and brute strength, heave myself onto hands and knees and impart mobility into my otherwise stationary existence. Alas, I crawl! Gone are the days of wallowing in a drooly morass of overdone toys. Gone are the days of wasting on my bum, staring at the clouds with only my daydreams to explore. And yes, father, gone are the days of your peaceful, sentinel days at your screen. I am free I say! Hand passes hand in a forceful march as my knees swing elegantly under ever-strengthening hips: I crawl for those who shall one day also rise. Gone are the days!

Loving Cup

The Rugby World Cup has finally landed and I must admit it is pretty cool to experience, albeit from my couch. Games are quite expensive and since our local stadium has been, as they say, "munted by the shayka" ("damaged by the earthquake" in Old English) the nearest venue is a solid half day's drive. The US lost their first match to Ireland 22 - 10 and face Russia on Thursday night. Enjoy the dueling battle calls.

Dat Poi Gunna Bustamout Bra.

On a whim, I bought a large bulb of taro root yesterday and this morning it shall become poi. I've never made the stuff, but I have had the real deal (from real Hawaiians on a real Hawaiian island) and it's pretty darn good. Some people hate it, but when you think of it's historical importance as a staple food and the mana it contains, it somehow tastes a little sweeter.

Despite its culinary critics, poi is easily digestible and a great source of energy and nutrients. Plus, my mom recommended it as the perfect baby food, so there you have it.

Bad Trip

In the purest, most simple way I can describe it, our "vacation" was crap. The motor home we rented was plagued by system malfunctions from the start, and not only did we spend the entire trip driving (I drove while Susan and Little Man sat about 15 feet behind me), we were followed by some of the coldest, snowiest weather ever experienced by our wee country. Some places felt snow for the first time in 80 years! And to top it off, the intended highlight of the trip - a rounded peninsula called the Taranaki Bight featuring a perfect, conical volcano - was shrouded in cloud and mist for the duration of our visit. Motor homes should strictly be reserved for one-way trips to Burningman. Bugger.

We did manage to snag a few decent photographs.



home sweet home!



on vacation!!

Diaper "Pants": A Bigger Scam than Enron?

To compliment the wonderful array of reusable diapers, we stock regular disposables to use during sleepy time. But when last at the store, I inadvertently threw diaper "pants" into the shopping cart, and I can say with certainty that they don't hold shit. Little man suffered a double-layer blowthru, backscratcher, and 45% sideswipe on the first diaper, necessitating full decontamination. No picture, sorry.

Pre-Road Trippin

Its been a while since I've etched my prose into the bloggy-stone: Not for a lack of material, but rather a lack of energy. The little lad went through a pretty nasty spell of insomnia and although it has tested our already frayed nerves, mom and I are doing well and enjoying the messy moments (photos are a few weeks old).

All that aside, we've booked a motorhome and intend to shove off this Sunday for the North Island. Stay tuned...it should be stellar.

Holy Logan

Last weekend our Little Man took the baptismal plunge at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo. With Father Jim presiding over the intimate service, Logan was heartily welcomed into the Catholic faith, despite trying to drink the holy water. Our good friends Mike and Ceceil graced us with their presence, being happily nominated "Unofficial New Zealand Godparents"/ event photographers.

The "ranger" at the church (it is a historic building, open to the public) had placed signs outside which read "Closed for Wedding," and so, as we opened the door to leave, were greeted by Japanese tourists with a cheerful Congwadulations!

Rod & Reel: Chapter 1

Apparently Pukaki Bay is devoid of fish. We floated gobs of squid and limpet along the sandy bottom for a few hours without even the slightest nibble. My buddy Mike took a dive however and scored a few mussels and paua (abalone) while all I got was this lousy landscape shot....

A Break from Training

I think it speaks for itself.