What is it about Grandparenthood that makes it so special?

Is it the sheer joy of a new life?

Or perhaps because we share genes and it feels so familiar? 

There is something magical that definitely happens when you enter this new phase of your life.... 

It feels fabulous to be a Grandparent!

A fabulous two weeks at the Hamilton Gardens

WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ

 

 

BOOKBINDER: Ralph McCubbin Howell, writer and performer.

We have been enjoying the Arts Festival. Last week a highlight was 'The Bookbinder'. It was a fabulous one man play from a Wellington Company called Trick of Light. Ralph McCubbin Howell travels around NZ and often performs in bookshops. Check out his website and see if he is coming to your town, this is the link to their website: 
http://www.trickofthelight.co.nz/

Below is a review of the Bookbinder written by Rachel Thomas that was published in the Waikato Times.

Anyone who has gathered around a campfire to share horror stories knows how much more exciting things become when a torch is shined under the storyteller's chin.
The Bookbinder flawlessly uses the elements of light, shadows and puppetry to create a tale which feels like the best campfire story ever told.
The one-man play comes from Wellington company Trick of the Light and is directed by Hannah Smith.
It's written and performed entirely by Ralph McCubbin Howell - who never once gets tiresome to watch as he takes his audience through a myriad of characters, accents and pop-up paper worlds in the space of 60 minutes.
Played out in a makeshift blackened space in the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, the stage is small and the set delightful - piles of well-loved books stacked around carefully placed desk lamps, and a gramophone which allows an elaborate musical score to play out.
Despite the confined space, this play knows no limits. A character might appear in the form of a human, a paper figure or a shadow - but we know the main ones as only the Bookbinder, his Apprentice, the Boy, and the Girl.
McCubbin Howell's careful treatment of the tiny figures in the story make it feel less like we are watching a puppet show and more like this Bookbinder is a giant in a surreal fantasy where people are made from paper and books are skyscrapers.
The seamless harmony of music, moody shadows and McCubbin Howell's pristine timing and tone create suspense akin to a blockbuster film. The 40 of us packed into the sold-out show hung on his every word.
It wasn't until Howell clapped toward the corner of the "stage" that it became clear a sound master had been silently hiding behind a covered box the entire play and clicking all the right switches.
The Bookbinder was on twice today and plays twice more tomorrow, February 19. If you have a ticket to any of these sold-out performances you certainly are one of the lucky ones.
Who: Trick of the Light
What: The Bookbinder
Where: The Japanese Garden of Contemplation, Hamilton Gardens

- Waikato Times

FUN WITH FISHING IN THE SUMMER BREAK

It was so lovely to spend some relaxing time at Lake Rotoiti. A time to just reflect, read and generally relax! Dave and I also love to spend time fishing. This year was no different. Many of our friends joined us and were also very successful in their fishing!!! 

Here are a few photos documenting some of my own fishing experiences this summer!!! 

Tapuaekura Bay Summer 2015

New Years Day, first fish caught early in the morning. A lovely way to start the year!

As you can see, pretty happy with this catch.

Excellent fishing continues...

Lucky we have lots of people to feed!!! 

Not as big, but very exciting fishing none the less.

Many of the fish caught this year looked like this! This means that they are eating lots of koura (fresh water crayfish) and when they are hot smoked for lunch, they are simply delicious. 

Another beautiful day fishing on the lake. 

Dave, my secret weapon!

One of the significant reasons for such successful fishing is because of Dave's extensive knowledge in this field. As a Fish Biologist of 40 plus years, he does know rather alot about fish and their habitat - suffice to say those who fish with Dave often have success!!!

Winter has come at last!

Wow, overnight New Zealand has been hit by a wintery blast. The snow has fallen in the south much to the delight of many. Here are a few of the photos from the one news website that people have sent in....

Snow has also started falling on the Desert Road. The wintery blast is now being felt in the north!

Tim and Kelly's Wedding

Oreti Village Resort is stunningly situated on the Southern Shores of Lake Taupo at beautiful Pukawa Bay. Surrounded by tranquil bush and breathtaking water and mountain range views. This was such a fabulous venue for Tim and Kelly's Wedding. Just a few initial photos of the venue and hopefully soon I will be able to post some photos of the wedding!!

 

 

 

Magical views everywhere, day and night!

Tim, Kelly and me! A taste of more to come!!!

Patrick is home for Tim & Kelly's wedding!

The band has been having a wonderful time in Europe!

 

Although through this experience, Patrick initially said he initially never felt it was a big deal... the more they have played as a band the more apparent it has become to all of them, that this is something quite special. Well done to all of you, for following you passion and putting your heart and soul into this amazing adventure!

It was certainly wonderful to learn more of the adventures the band has been having throughout Europe!

 Such a joy to have Patrick home, albeit very briefly for the wedding before returning to England for the final part of the Band's European Tour!

Early Childhood Ireland: A farewell to Irene Gunning CEO

Left to right: Carmel Brennan, Marion Brennan, Margaret Carr, Wendy Lee, Teresa Heeney

 and in the front Irene Gunning

Personal News from Irene Gunning

Dear Member

I am writing to let you know that I am retiring as CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, effective from February 28^th 2014 and to thank you for all your support and friendship.  Retiring is bitter sweet for me as I’ve been working in the organisation since 1996. I became a member in 1972 when I ran my own playgroup at home in Ballinteer, Dublin with six wonderful 3 year old children and I went on to work in a community playgroup and full day care, spanning 25 years. During this time I was also a tutor and I remained an active volunteer. All told I had a very good run and I enjoyed it all.

However, I know that Early Childhood Ireland is in safe hands as I hand over the role of CEO with confidence and warmth, to my colleague and our current Chief Operations Officer Teresa Heeney.

The one constant in this sector is change.  The real Ambassadors for Change are our members, early childhood care and education professionals up and down the country, supporting over 100,000 children and their families, and getting our youngest citizens and future leaders off to the best possible start.  I don’t know any other sector in Irish life that is more flexible, more courageous, more creative, and more dedicated than the people like you who make extraordinary things happen in preschools and day-care centres every day. 

I salute you...

Yours sincerely
Irene Gunning 

A farewell message to Irene Gunning, CEO Early Childhood Ireland