Getting over jetlag
We had a nice wander around the Kabouter Bos (gnome forest) Fun way to get over jetlag. Lovely being back in The Netherlands. They have so many yum nibbly things and beers and it’s just generally a great country!
Patricks New Zealand Weblog
Patricks New Zealand Weblog
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Leaving, on a jet plane (do know when we’ll be back again)
It was time for Anna and I to join Maaike in The Netherlands. Absolutely stunning view of Taranaki as we flew up. You can see the distinct circular boundary of the national park. It’s literally a 6 mile radius from the summit!. Very cool. Long haul flights are never fun, but, it has become infinitely [ ]
Midwinter (for some of us)
It was Matariki, big thing at Anna’s school (Māori new year) and they had their usual display of florescent creations. Pretty fun. There was also the fireworks out at New Brighton which we went to. It’s absolutely mental getting in and out of New Brighton when the fireworks are on. The council however put on [ ]
Heights of Winter 2026
I wasn’t quite sure how this one was going to go, being somewhat unfit and with navigation being a little out of practice. Anyway, originally it was going to be a team of three with Malc and Gabby (my climbing partners), but, Malc had to drop out unfortunately. I was really happy with how well [ ]
DIY!
I am a little hesitant about DIY, but, decided to give this one a go. It wasn’t actually leaking, but, an oily residue was coming out. Apparently this was suggested that the o-rings needed replacing. AI assured me that I could turn off the valves under the sink (there are no valves, and it wasn’t [ ]
Bitta this, bitta that
Anna had a good time at the holiday programmes in August. Elements is one she currently enjoys. I’m dead jealous of all the exciting sports and skills kids can be exposed to during the term breaks. When she’s a bit older I hope she’ll enjoy sailing and climbing and, well, anything else she cares to [ ]
ANZAC weekend at Castle Hill
We had a lovely weekend up to Castle Hill with Sylvia and Colin. It’s such a nice spot up there. Close enough to be easy to get to; surrounded by hills, and the whole “alpine village” thing going on. Lovely. Lots of walking, playing games, slip’n’slide for the kids (and Colin who doesn’t mind the [ ]
End of an era
Well, I guess I’ve already talked about it, but, it was a momentous occasion for me finishing up at salt works my beloved co-working space and moving into the TradeMe (myRent) offices. I made some caramel squares as a token of my appreciation. They were well received. The new office does have a decent coffee [ ]
Biking to Waikuku & camping
It’s quite fun doing bike trips together. We all get exercise and it’s a nice way to get around. It was totally worth getting the follow me tandem (we got ours second hand on TradeMe). That said, we’re now looking to use a bungee going forward. Well, at least have the option of it. Anyway, [ ]
Woolshed Creekin’ for the weekend.
I was struck by just how much faster the kids were with walking into woolshed creek than the first time we went. It felt like it took no time to get to the hut this go around. It was warm enough on the way in, so, we went for a dip at the the pools [ ]