50th Anniversary for the Caravan Club

There was a big weekend planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary celebrations of our Heretaunga Caravan Club.  Goodness me, that's a long time.  We met at the Manawatu Caravan Club campgrounds on Thursday, an early start for the weekend as Friday was a public holiday celebrating Matariki, the start of the Maori New Year.

The notice board is out, telling the members what is on

We were all presented with a new coffee mug, showing photos of the caravans in the club, together with our club logo.

New club coffee mugs

There was a new campervan in the club, and proud owners Sandra and Don welcomed members to have a look inside.  

A new camper van for Sandra and Don

Friday evening saw us all meet at the Manawatu Boat Club restaurant for a meal.  It was a lovely meal indeed, I enjoyed my Fisherman's Basket and Robin had a tasty lamb shank.  Two couples who were former members joined us for the meal too.

His and her menu choices

We arranged ourselves at the small round tables, although there was plenty of table hopping going on after our meals, to catch up with all the others.  When it was time to go back to the camp grounds we noticed that very thick sea mist had rolled in, making visibilty a challenge.  So it was lucky we did not have too far to drive back.

Sandra, Dot, Jenny and Robin

Morning Tea was held in the club hall on Saturday morning, with the cutting of the cake.  This was performed by Maureen and Eileen, our newest and longest serving lady members.  The banana cake was beautifully decorated with chocolate icing and decorations.

Maureen and Eileen cutting the cake

It was dinner with a difference on Saturday evening when everyone consumed their individual fish and chip parcels together in the hall, with slices of buttered bread and plenty of tomato sauce.  Then we shared our memories of our very first caravan rally, and how we came to join the club.  That was very interesting, and drew a few laughs at the memories, luckily we had a print out of the date and place of the first rallies, in case people had trouble remembering back in the mists of time.  With the foundation club members sadly no longer with us, the joining dates for current members range from 1980 to 2022, and we joined in 1987.  

Heretaunga Caravan Club members

A Week of It

Although just a short week, with Monday being a Public Holiday, it was still full to bursting.  It started off on Tuesday when our 6 month old Birman kitten had a hospital visit to get spayed.  It all went well, and we took her home with all sorts of instructions ringing in our ears - keep her quiet, no running and jumping, no licking stitches.   Easier said than done, of course.  At her three day post-op check up the vet was a little concerned about her wound – it’s not too bad but they didn’t want it getting worse.  So she was prescribed extra antibiotics, and we were told to persevere with the collar.  Seems the trick to is to get an ordinary fabric cat collar, thread it through the loops of the plastic one, adjust to fit, and hopefully it won’t be slipped off so easily.  Poor Gemma is not at all happy.

Why are they doing this to me?

Wednesday was check up time for both of us at the doctor’s – no problems there, luckily.  No kitchen duties for the cook on Thursday evening when we attended a dinner to farewell a longstanding member from the Menz Shed.  This was held at HLC (Horowhenua Learning Centre) and the meal was prepared, cooked and served by students working towards their Chef and Hospitality Certificate.  The meal was great, and our retiring member and his wife were very touched with the Life Membership conferred, gifts and best wishes.  Their new home town also has a Menz Shed, so Tony is sure to find his place there.

Friday was a little sadder, as we attended the funeral of one of my co-workers from years ago.  Anne lived a full and happy life, but sadly, as is often the case, her last few years were fraught with health issues.  It was good to catch up with others, and remember some of the fun times we had together.

Saturday evening’s outing was a happy occasion indeed, helping our caravan friends Bill and Val celebrate their 50th Anniversary.  It may have been pouring down outside the restaurant, but inside was warm and happy as we watched a slide show of their years together, including snaps of the caravans they had owned over the years.  We enjoyed a lovely buffet meal together, heard a few stories, related some more, and Val replied in her usual manner with a poem.  A great night out indeed.

Bill and Val cutting the cake

And there was another celebration on Sunday as well.  We met up with daughter Nicky at the grandly named Orlando Country Club (Palmerston North) for a birthday lunch.  There were plenty of keen golfers taking advantage of the Driving Range with their buckets of balls.

Driving Range, Orlando Country Club

The three of us enjoyed a nice lunch together, and Nicky presented me with flowers and a lovely gift – Led Candle Lantern, which will be just the thing for the caravan,   while we sit outside on warm summer evenings .  Another lovely meal out, and it was great to have a catch up again.

 

Nicky and Jenny, Happy Birthday to me

So that was our week, practically full to bursting.  There’s always plenty to do to keep us on our toes.  

Busy Weekend at Hastings

It’s been great to be back in sunny Hastings, parked amongst the apple trees at one of our favourite places to stay.

Happy to be back in Hastings again

The fruit trees are laden and the pickers have been busy.

We had another chat to Karen of Travelling K fame (find her link here) and swapped names of favourite blogs to check and see what we think.   Perhaps we will have some new ones to add to our respective lists, which will be great.  

And a trip to Hastings wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the Arataki Honey centre to replenish Robin’s honey supplies.  They fill our empty containers with liquid gold – we refilled a jar both manuka and rewarewa honey, that should last for some time.  Did you know that honey can last forever?  (Unless a honey lover eats it all up)  With an indefinite shelf life, and the properties of processed honey keep it from becoming a hotbed of microbes and other things that may spoil or contaminate it. 

 

Arataki Honey

We had two family events to attend here in Hastings.  Friday night was the 50th Birthday Bash of our niece Lisa.   Lisa’s Birthday Bash had a 50’s theme, with the guests dressed in their rock’n’roll inspired clothes, ready for a night of music and fun.  Older ones, like us, had lived through these years, and reminisced about  our dancing days when full skirts and stiff petticoats were all the rage as we rocked the night away.  The juke box pumped out the music, the candles were lit, the birthday cake was cut, and the gifts were opened.  There were even a couple of Pink Ladies on the dance floor – hadn’t we seen them in a movie a while ago?

Lisa’s 50th party

The photo board was particularly interesting, with snaps of Lisa’s life through the years.  And look what I found, a photo of Lisa, her brother, and my two children, perched up high having an elephant ride at Wellington Zoo.  That would never happen these days - no rides allowed.  And who can remember the Chimps Tea Parties at Wellington Zoo?  They were always a favourite with the kids.  But things have moved on, and the animals live a more natural life these days, which is certainly a good thing.

On top of the elephant – my son Michael, Lisa, her brother Shane, and my daughter Nicky

On Sunday we gathered for a family lunch at Breakers, Napier for an anniversary lunch for my sister Kathleen and her hubby Dennis.

Happy Anniversary

Wonder of wonders – West Coast whitebait was on the menu, so there’s no surprise in what I ordered.  The whitebait omelet was quite nice, but I must admit, whitebait fritters would have been better.  But I can’t complain, I’ve been hanging out for whitebait for ages.

Lunch at Breakers, Napier

We took a drive back along beautiful Marine Parade, lined with two rows of Norfolk Pines, planted about 1893 in order to create an English-style ‘noble promenade’. There was a cruise ship in town, so buses and tourists were everywhere.  There was plenty to keep the visitors busy, beautiful gardens, cafes, and the National Aquarium close by.

Marine Parade, Napier

It’s been so nice to catch up with family over the weekend, but it will be time to move on in the morning.  Next stop, Taupo.

50 Years Ago Today

Doesn’t time fly!!  Fifty years ago I was “matron of honour” when my good friend Merilyn wed Colin.  I can’t lay my hands on a photo right now, but take my word for it -  Merilyn looked beautiful in her long white gown.  Her new husband Colin looked handsome, and we three bridesmaids were dressed in apricot satin. 

I was a young married Mum back then and my Mother took my two children down to the church to watch us all in our finery.  She reported later that young Michael, then aged 3, said in a loud voice, “My Mummy is getting married”.  He didn’t have it quite correct, but I was all dressed up in church!

“Golden Wedding” anniversary rose

We had really wanted to travel down to Dunedin to share in the 50th Wedding celebrations this weekend, but sadly could not make it.  But I sent our gift down a few weeks early – a beautiful yellow rose appropriately called “Golden Wedding” from South Pacific Roses in Otaki.  Merilyn loves her garden and it is planted in pride of place, she told me.  Happy 50th Anniversary!

South Pacific Roses in Otaki

Kahutara School, Wairarapa

The Wararapa farmland looks dry and parched over the summer season, and Kahutara, approximately mid way between Martinborough and Pirinoa, is no exception.  Last time we stayed at the school, the wind, as we remembered, was relentless.  So strong that several caravan fridges running on gas had their pilot lights blown out, and it was rather difficult to relight them.  When we arrived the hot dry wind was much less severe, thank goodness.  Six caravans and two motor homes parked up on the school playing field for a fun weekend.

Kahutara School

A group of bobby calves over the fence kept crying for their mothers.  Such cute little faces looking back at me, as they posed nicely for the lady with the  camera.

Over the fence

50 years of wedded bliss is certainly something to celebrate, and Selwyn and Kath had just returned from Auckland where they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.  Our club wanted to acknowledge this milestone on Friday evening, and Val read out a poem she had written, all about the ups and downs of their caravan adventures with our club.

Poetry reading by Val

This is your life, Selwyn and Kath

Saturday morning was hot without a breath of wind, and several car loads of campers drove off bright and early to the very popular Martinborough Fair.  People come from far and wide to attend the fairs, held a month apart on the first Saturday of February and March, with stalls crowded in shady Martinborough Square.  Streams of traffic clog the normally sleepy settlement as people search for a car park close to the square, and then jostle with the crowds of shoppers looking for bargains.   We relaxed back at the school, and welcomed Life Members Peter and Elaine who were visiting for the day.

Kite flying was on the programme for the afternoon and we lamented at the windless conditions and wondered if it would go ahead.  But the kite gods must have been listening and by mid afternoon the wind started up and the kites were airborne.  Rally Captain Bill had brought along kits and instructions for those who didn’t have their own kite, and several black plastic sheet variations were soon flying alongside the colourful commercial kites.

Saturday evening was fun and games in the hall, and they were certainly quite a laugh.  Have you ever held a tennis ball tight against you and your partners forehead and tried to walk down the hall without dropping it?  Some couples shuffled sideways very slowly, Dennis and Glenys were much more energetic and held their heads together while their bodies were turned sideways as they strode along the hall. We managed to make it, but found out that you mustn’t turn your head to see where you are going or else the ball will get dislodged.  Just a shame no one was filming all these high jinks!

A busy old day, and an Anniversary Meal

We had quite a busy old day today, with visitors calling this morning.  This meant a flurry of activity earlier doing some baking for the guests, and running around the house with the vacuum cleaner and duster.  With everything clean and tidy we could sit  back and enjoy their company when they arrived.  Alan and Lis are on holiday here from UK and were keen to check out our new caravan.  

After a quick lunch we drove up to Palmerston North to visit Robin’s Mum who has been in hospital for the last couple of weeks.  While we were chatting, I mentioned to the mother-in-law that it was our 31st anniversary today.  One of the nurses joined in the conversation and said that we should make sure we go out somewhere nice for a meal to celebrate.  That wasn’t really on the plan after our busy day, but then again, we though, why not?  By the time we returned to Levin it was after 6.00pm, just in time for dinner at the Avenue Restaurant. 

Selfie taken at Avenue Restaurant

The meals were delicious, salmon steak for me, and sirloin steak for Robin.  Followed by lemon meringue pie and apple and raspberry crumble.  When the chef found out it was our anniversary, he gave us our garlic bread for free.  This is the first time we have been to this establishment, and I’m sure we will be back – I’m quite keen to try the Sunday roast.

Yummy anniversary dinner

So it is Happy Anniversary to us - we got married all those years ago on Guy Fawkes day.  Which means all the crackers will be let off tonight now it is getting dark.  We can hear a few pops and  bangs already through the windows.  Luckily our old cat Muffy is getting a bit deaf so the loud noises don’t upset her too much.

30th Anniversary

In our house-hold, Guy Fawkes Night has a different meaning than the more usual fireworks.  Bangers, double happies, sky rockets, pin wheels and jumping jacks may all be doing their best to bang, whizz and generally light up the sky, but 5th November means more than that to us, it is our wedding anniversary.  Being the same day as when Guy Fawkes tried to do his dastardly deed with the Gun Powder Plot all those years ago, makes it easy for the husband of the house to remember this special date.  And it is a Big One this year, we are celebrating 30 years of togetherness!

It’s our 30th Anniversary

What better way to mark this major anniversary than with a new charm for my bracelet.  This is our Pearl Anniversary, so my new charm just had to include a pearl, of course.  Robin got a more manly type of gift, the new tool box to take away when we travel in the caravan.  He has been after something like this for a while, so we are both happy.

Robin’s new tool box

Friends joined us for a celebratory meal at the local restaurant, then we invited them back home for coffee and home made cheesecake for dessert.  Not that we really needed more dessert, but everyone managed to eat a slice.

Derek, Eileen, Geoff, Robin, Jenny and Dot

Congratulations to us

Quite honestly, it is hard to credit that 30 years has whizzed by so fast.  We have done a lot of things, travelled  all around New Zealand and had a few overseas trips as well.  May we have many more years to share together.

How many Years, did you say??

We’ve just celebrated our wedding anniversary, and we’ve had 29 happy years together.  It certainly doesn’t seem that long.  To celebrate we went out to a local restaurant for dinner last night.  Being a Monday evening, a lot of places tend not to be open.  Local restaurant Graze also caters to the adjacent motels units, so we knew it opens every evening.

Kitchen utensils decorating the wall

Roast pork was on the menu, and there was quite a large crowd in the dining room.  One of the diners came over to say hello to Robin – someone he knows from his volunteer driving duties for the Cancer Society.  She told us that it was a big family group, having a meal together after giving her 90 years plus uncle a good send off earlier in the day. 

29th Anniversary meal

Happy Anniversary, we toasted each other.  After our roast pork dinner we finished our meal with apple crumble and boysenberry trifle for dessert, and it was all very tasty.  So that’s 29 years down, roll on 30.  There’s plans brewing for that anniversary, I’ve already warned Robin.  Just make sure our passports are valid, I’ve told him, and I’ll take care of all the arrangements.  We will be celebrating that one in style!

Anniversary Dinner

Home from our weekend away in the wilds of rural Levin, we decided to go out to dinner tonight for a slightly belated Anniversary Dinner.  Our little local restaurant offer Sunday Roasts for a very reasonable cost, so we invited our friend Kathryn to join us.  Roast pork and all the trimmings, followed by ice-cream sundaes for them, and a light berry pannacota for me,  yum!  It was a delicious meal, and nice and close to home. 

Anniversary Dinner

Happy Anniversary to us

It’s our anniversary today.  Robin doesn’t have any trouble remembering the date as we were married on Guy Fawkes Day.  How many years was it?  One of us got the number wrong, but after a little bit of arithmetic we decided that 27 years was the correct answer.  Wow, that’s certainly a long time.  But we have to say, it’s been 27 happy years, and they have gone by in a flash. So, happy anniversary to us, and may we have many more!

Twenty seven years wed today