Easter? We've only just had Christmas!

Time really does fly by faster as you get older! Sister Kris has been and gone and the house once again has gone quiet - will probably stay that way now heading into winter. Last week Leenie went on a girlie roadtrip to Rotorua with Dot, Kris and Mum - we are all still talking and had a bloody good time. Lots of laughs and nattering like old chooks (some of us older than others!). The girls went up in Dots car, stayed at Rydges and just about suffocated with the heat and pong for the few days! We really dont remember Rotorua being that blimin smelly or hot! hehe. Had a lovely dinner with Rema and Ray and the following day had a catch up with Cousin Miranda and her new baby boy. Below is breakfast at a cute wee motel restaurant on Fenton St, nice basic food and good prices - we like that! :)

We went to Tirau for the day, wandered around all the lovely little arty craft shops, had lunch and then came back to Rotorua for a drive over to the Blue and Green Lakes. There's a really well layed out look-out between the two lakes - only problem was ... the trees had grown so high, you couldnt see anything! *doh*

On our way back to Taupo (a breakfast stop!) Dot took us to the Aratiatia Rapids - about 70kms south of Rotorua on the main road. The water from below the Huka falls is released by automated floodgates on a regular basis (four times a day) and is an amazing sight to see! The canyon rapidly fills up with water over a 10 minute period and flows for about 30 minutes before the floodgates are closed again. The photo's dont do it justice, you really need to stop and watch!

Before the water is released ....

The same place 10 minutes later!

We got home safe and sound. Managed to knacker mum - she moseyed off pretty quickly to get some rest - obviously not used to the three of us yahooing and carrying on for 72 hours!

Easter was pretty tame. Good Friday was spent painting the front of the house - Bill and Craig working on the outside, Leenie in the garage painting the shutters - 8 of the buggers!

We've changed the colour scheme, the house is still white - instead of the shutters being forest green they are now a stone colour - very trendy! Must take an after photo *note to self*

Saturday was shopping and a bit of a knees up on Saturday night at the club. Sunday was a sleep in and recovery kind of day in preparation for the Rock2Wgtn concert that night! We caught the train into town along with 20,000 other bogans *grin* and rocked the night away to Poison, Whitesnake and Ozzy Osbourne. Was pretty good, the Weta Workshop Dragon was fantastic - had green lasers shooting out of its eyes and made an awesome show around the stadium. We didnt get home until 1:00am!

Monday was up early again and this time Leenie and Bill went for a 2 hr motorbike ride around the Bay's. Craig's back has still been giving him some jip so he decided not to aggravate anything. The weather was fabulous this past weekend. Typical, Leenie packs away most of her summer wardrobe and now the latest reports are summer will be here until May! Definately shouldnt complain about that one.

Leenie has a new boss at work - had a two and a half hour intro meeting with him on Tuesday - nice welcome back to work after 10 days off! NOT!

Had to make note that while Leenie has clocked up 1,200 kms on her new motorbike, Craig has clocked up 10,000kms on his harley ... pretty impressive stuff. We'll be clocking up a few more kms this coming weekend - escorting Captain Hurricane around town again (keep an eye on the telly - we will get on the field one day!) and then heading up to Levin for a poker run on Saturday.

Whew - been busy. Feel it too. Time for bed.

Our 1st Poker Run Together

A poker run is where you all start from a venue with a base card, Leenie had an Ace, Craig had a 9. You also get instructions about your next destination. We then carried on to various other locations and picked up a card from each. The final destination is when the best hand receives a prize. Needless to say, neither of us got a brass razzoo ... but we had a bloody good day out!

Start point - Wellington Motorcycles

1st stop, look out on Wainuiomata Hill.

2nd stop - Cafe @ top of Rimutaka Hill.

3rd stop - top of Paekakariki Hill - gorgeous day over there - bloody windy though.

Last stop - Chicago Bar - Queens Wharf.

About 100 bikes. Was fun and games leaving - Leenie's bike has a radio frequency immobiliser alarm which was in deadspot at Chicago Bar. Two options - push the bike 50mtrs down the road or use the super duper override system. After about 7 attempts we actually got the override system to work after setting off the alarm to the amusement of our fellow riders! ... Guess we all need to learn something sooner or later eh?

Leenie has clocked up 1,000 kms on her bike already!

Bikes have just been washed and put away and now its time to relax with a bbq dinner and a drink!

Halfway through March?!!??!??

naaaaaaaa it cant be ... well not quite anyway!

We've had a busy last couple of weeks. Last week in particular was a bit dodgy for us. Craig managed to pulled a muscle in his back on Monday morning pulling his jeans on - so he was laid up for a couple of days. Leenie managed to pick up one of those nasty gastro bugs going around and at 5:00am one morning passed out while on the loo and managed to face plant the bathroom floor - a quick trip to the Dr's confirmed she wasnt concussed or suffering from anything really nasty. She had a nice reminder though - black eye, fat lip, grazed chin and a couple of bumps on the noggin - bloody hillarious looking back on it now we suppose!!! We both managed to make it to work on the Wednesday and then Craig put his back out totally and we had him at the vet's (physio) on Thursday morning and laid up again on Friday.

While all this is going on we had the pleasure of the company of Jana from Brisbane for a few days, quickly followed by Pete and Helena from the UK. Had a really busy weekend with the family, Chinese at our place on Friday night, going out into town on Saturday night, to Bill and Raynors Sunday night and bbq dinner here Monday night. So its been all on around here!

Craig, Leenie, Helena, Pete, Carol and Brett @ Nicolini's Restaurant.

The house has gone quiet again, we've been in bed by 9:00pm each night but its only temporary and things will change again tomorrow night when Kris arrives from Brissie. She's here for a couple of weeks and we are planning a girlie road trip (3 sisters and Mum) to Rotorua for a few days - its either going to be bloody good fun or we'll be ready to rip each other to pieces by the end of it! hehe Craig seems quite happy to fend for himself and the dogs for a few days - man chops on the bbq is already in the planning!

Trude the Suzuki was put on a transporter and sent to her new home in Gore today. Leenie is a little sad. Craig is pleased to have a little bit more room in the garage again!

Hurricanesssssssssss

The call went out for HOG riders to escort Captain Hurricane into the Stadium tonight. Sounded like a challenge and definately something different to do for a Friday night! We met up at the Thorndon Fire Station. There were about 14 bikes in the end. Captain Hurricane was pillion up front along with the Chief's mascot. Our bikes were wrapped in Hurricane tape and we could have got tickets to the game for free, but we decided to head home and have some dinner - we'd been out on our bikes all day and we were starving!


Of course Leenie couldnt go to a fire station without asking for a tour of the facilities! The guys were teasing her about requesting to see the firemen's hoses ... *blush*!

The truck Leenie is sitting in is one of the most advanced trucks in New Zealand - it had all the bells and whistles.

We werent allowed to take the bikes onto the field, but we escorted Captain Hurricane for about an hour around the streets of Wellington. It was quite a carnival atmosphere with lots of people hanging out of pubs and along the footpaths cheering an clapping the mascots - of course the sound of thundering Harley's made a few people stop in their tracks also.

No idea what the cheeky Chief's mascot was up to there :o

Home again and knackered after a full day out - Leenie showing off her free t shirt from Wgtn Motorcycles - she thinks she looks like a real biker ... yeah right!

Done and Dusted!

Leenie passed her full motorcycle licence on Friday and picked up her new Harley on Saturday! Simple stuff eh?

"Trude" will be found a new learner rider and "Tess" an 883 Custom Harley Sportster will take her place. Tess is loud, Craig is a little concerned shes louder than his Hog!

Another step closer to our dream :) Bit by bit - rome wasnt built in a day :)

Our 1st HOG Rally!

HOG = Harley Owners Group. Craig is a member of the International group and the Wellington Chapter. Every year the New Zealand HOG group hold their annual rally and this year it was in Palmerston North. It was our first rally and we had a BLAST!

The day didnt start off too crash hot, laying in bed we heard the rain persisting down and Leenie made the comment about taking the car to Palmy and Craig could get wet. However by the time we were ready to leave it had cleared somewhat and after dropping the dogs at the Kennels we went round to a mates place where three other bikers were waiting for us. We knew the Wellington chapter were leaving from Wellington Motorcycles at 9:00am so we decided to scoot over the Rimutakas to beat the rush so to speak. They were anticipating 80 bikes. When we got to Featherston (see pic below) there were already 30ish bikes parked up - they'd had the same idea as us!

We stopped for brunch in Greytown at the White Swan - Wellington Motorcycles put on a roast meal - it was awesome - pork with all the trimmings! There were about 110 bikes parked on both sides of the road through Greytown - certainly gave all the locals something to talk about! We were in "HOG" heaven.After about an hour and a half at Greytown the group carried on to Pahiatua, where we stopped to get everyone regrouped and petrol before carrying on through to Woodville and on to Palmy through the Manawatu Gorge.

We stopped again just outside of Palmy to regroup and then carried on to the Rally site at the Awapuni Racecourse - the Wellington Chapter made a dramatic entrance with all bikes in formation thundering up the entry road. The weather was decidedly dodgey by now - thunderstorms and showers with the rain at times going sideways - thank god for wet weather gear! Once we completed registration it was TIME FOR A COLDY!

Within moments we met new people, saw lots of new faces and had a few laughs at all the different "types" that attend the rallies! We felt quite young! The general crowd was aged in their 50's. All shapes, sizes, ages and races were in attendance! A couple of hours into the festivities the racecourse was hit by a huge thunderstorm and lightening struck the main building knocking out the transformer - no power!!!!!!!!!! Luckily the food marquees were running on gas or generators so we got fed! Unfortunately OSH had to close the main bars around 8:30 once it got dark. Most people headed into town, we went back to our wonderful hosts house (Beryl and Brent!) and had a few laughs playing Wii - Craig is awesome at tennis - Leenie needs more practice! Thanks Beryl and Brent for your wonderful hospitality.

The next morning it was up bright and early for breakfast at the rally site then time to depart on the "Thunder Ride". 1160 Harley's lined up in one street -you can imagine the noise and smell the fumes cant you????!!??? Palmy probably wondered what the hell struck it!

The thunder ride headed back out toward Massey, through the Manawatu Gorge, through Woodville and then turned up and over the saddle past the windfarms and into the back of Fielding before returning to Palmy and parking up in the Square for a couple of hours. The boys went to the pub, Leenie went shopping! Who said just because we only had two saddle bags there wasnt any room for taking any extras home! Never say never to Leenie!

The square looked spectacular!

That evening we went back to the rally site - the power had been restored and the festivities really got underway! We met a lovely couple from Wagga Wagga Australia (about 4 hrs drive inland from Sydney). They ended up staying at our house on Sunday night as they were catching the ferry on Monday to tour the south island for a couple of weeks. We might have to make a trip to visit them at some stage - great people.

Come Monday night we were absolutely shattered! Despite the weather, we had a fantastic time. Met some amazing people and experienced fantastic hospitality from our family for putting us up for a couple of days and the rally organisers who had a disappointing first night with the power issues - but still battled on regardless. Oh and the great news is Leenie's backside survived the 400kms round trip as pillion! Next years rally is in Wellington - we cant wait!

Quick South Island Trip

Well we had a total blast on our whirlwind 3 day visit to the South Island! For Bill's christmas present we (Craig, Leenie and Raynor) gave him a voucher for free use of the Triumph and a return trip on the Ferry. Craig had jacked it up with Wayne in Havelock for us to visit Arthur and stay at their place for a few days. So left on the Thursday after Waitangi. Craig, Leenie and Bill - the Harley, Suzuki and Triumph!

We went down on the Awatere and back on the Kaitaki.

It was a picture perfect day, the sky was blue, the harbour like a mirror and we knew it was going to be an awesome sailing! The two cruise ships docked at Queens Wharf was a beautiful sight when sailing out. You really cant beat Wellington on a good day!

Speaking of picture perfect .... hahahaha

Heres the boys tieing the bikes down - didnt really need to as there was no swell or waves, but its always better to be safe than sorry!

Our first stop was the Flying Haggis in Picton for lunch!

We then followed Queen Charlotte Drive all the way to Havelock. It was so hot that some of the roads were melting - tar everywhere, made it a bit slow going on the bikes - but it was well worth it and very pretty. This is at the lookout just above Havelock.

We gave Arthur a lovely surprise when we arrived. He wasnt expecting us - Wayne hadnt told him of our arrival! He was even more shocked when we said we were staying for a couple of days! Arthur turns 90 this year and hes doing really well - very energetic for a 90 yr old. Not all the cans on the table! Oh well guess it was a holiday ;)

Speaking of 90 yr olds ... recognise anyone? Like father like son! (Leenie absolutely loves this picture!)

That night we went down to Slip Inn for dinner - mmmmmm fresh juicy scallops! Wayne and Vicki on the left.

On the Friday, Wayne had organised a fishing trip for Craig so Bill and Leenie jumped on their bikes and cruised over to Nelson for the day. Took about an hour to get from Havelock to Monica's work. We popped out to her gym for a coffee and muffin - was fantastic!

Then on our way out to Ruby Bay we popped in and saw Bob - it was another glorious day!

Then on to lunch with Barbara and Fergy - Leenie was glad she'd packed her shorts! It was a scorcher! There were a few texts going back and forward to Craig - Wayne had caught a 22pnd snapper! Craig was still practicing!

Bill and Leenie got back to Havelock about 5ish and the boys didnt get back from fishing until 8:30pm! It was a quick change and down to the local for an easy dinner. We wrapped it up about 11:00pm - everyone was bushed after such big days out!

The next morning we were up bright and early - Craig was particularly keen to take his triumph for a quick blast around town to at least say he'd ridden both of his bikes in the south island!

Here's the three of us heading out from Wayne's to go to Blenheim before going on to Picton and catching the 1:15 sailing.

We stopped in and saw Jan and Walt (Bill's first cousins) in Blenheim. We were also lucky enough to meet two of their girls and their families who were visiting from Waitangi Day as it was Walt's 70th birthday. The family are lovely. It was quite funny pulling up outside there house - there were three garages and it was a lovely home. Each of us parked in front of a garage and Leenie was a bit paranoid in that we werent at the right house and kept asking Bill to make sure he had the right address! Imagine three bikers turning up on your driveway if you werent expecting them - you'd be wondering what on earth you'd done wrong!

We had a lovely long weekend. The weather was perfect, the company was awesome, the fishing was great (would have been even better if Craig had caught something to keep!) the scenery was out of this world and the bikes ran like a dream. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hopefully we'll be able to get to do it again some time.

It must be summer!

The weather has just been phenominal in Welly lately. Beaches, bbq's, bikes and errr beer! Thats what summer is all about after all :)

We've had so much energy this week that we've been back into our healthy habits with a vengence! We've gymmed three times this week and Leenie walked for an hour EVERY day. Craig very happily made a record of taking his lunches to work for 4 weeks running - now thats an achievement. Incredible how little changes and little goals - make massive impacts on the mind, body and wallet!

The weekend was fun, Craig and Bill went out on the Harley and Triumph on Saturday. We had a very quiet Saturday night ... the two of us played a board game! Dont remember the last time we did that! *frightening* - it was fun though, to actually have a weekend at home - however the game was far too riveting and it was lights out by 9:30pm!

Sunday was a gorgeous day and we packed a picnic lunch, jumped on the Harley and popped down to the All American Vehicle Day at Trentham. Wasnt as good (less cars - more people) as last year, but once again there were some amazing vehicles to drool over. We spent a couple of hours just lazying in the sun, eating, drinking, sniffing motor oil and fumes and listening to rock music and V8's revving - BLISS! Unfortunately we didnt slip slop slap and wrap too sensibly and we are paying for it today - will we ever learn?!!??!??

We've got a short week this week - yippeeeeeeeeee. On Thursday Craig, Leenie and Bill take their motorcycles on the ferry and go down to Havelock for a couple of nights to visit an old family friend. Hopefully we'll get a chance to pop over to Nelson on Friday and say hi to the rellies. The weather forecast is looking good at this stage! *fingers crossed*

Weekends Whizz Past!

Well the long weekend (Wellington Anniversary) came and went like lightening - and that was a week ago now!

The Friday was a busy day, gym, shopping, appointments finished the day having a "quiet one" at the club then came home and spent the evening out on the deck with the dogs having a few more "quiet ones"! :D

Then Saturday we jumped on our bikes and headed up to Dannevirke. The longest ride Leenie has had to date! Took us about 2 and a quarter hours to get there. We stopped out the back of Masterton for a stretch and then for lunch at Boot's n Braces pub in Woodville for lunch (fantastic burgers and nachos there!) hospitality was very friendly too! Got to Grandad's about 2:30 and had a catch up with the family, a cuppa and a nice piece of 90th bday cake. The thing that struck us was how little grandad is now. He has definately aged, as you would expect when someone reaches that ripe old age, but hes not the imposing figure that he used to be. He still has his loud twittering voice and his memory is pretty good too.

The Stratties with Grandad Stratford - 90th Birthday

The highlight was coaxing him into having a ride on Craig's Harley.
Actually ... we didnt need to coax him too much - he was quite revved up about the whole idea and we had him dressed and on the back within minutes really. It was hillarious getting his helmet on. Leenie was yelling "push your head up Grandad" and he was yelling back about his "lugs" getting caught - quite funny.

Grandad all kitted up

And they're off!

They seemed to be gone ages!

As you can see from the photos Grandad is quite little now ... he'd only be about 5ft tall and probably about 50kgs ... Craig had to keep checking that he hadnt fallen off the back! The Harley ride will be something that Grandad will talk about for a long time to come thats for sure.

It took us a good couple of hours to get home from Dannevirke again - it was really windy. Leenie definately felt the wind when she was on full throttle and only managing to make it to 95kms per hour! Bless Trude our wee 250! However, it got her there and back in one piece and thats all that matters.

Sunday was a chill out day with mates round for a spitroast bbq - Craig is becoming quite the spit roast king now - the pork just melted in your mouth YUMMO!

Monday was so stinking hot that we thought we'd melt so basically we parked up on the couch for the day in front of the fan. The Silverstream Weather station clocked a high of 31.9 degrees at about 1:00pm!

We are getting very accustomed to four day weeks! Thankfully this weekend was pretty relaxing - although Craig scared the living bejeesus outta Leenie on Saturday night when he announced at 8:00pm he was bored and decided to go out for a pushbike ride and hoofed it up the Hutt Riverbank and back again in about 40 minutes flat. We'll make an athlete out of him yet!

Craig started repainting the colour trim on the house today. First coat on the garage door is lookin good - watch this space for update pics ;)

Just for the record, Leenie really does clean her own bike!

This week will be our first five day week this year ARGHHHHHHHH - fingers crossed we make it through to the other side!