Into the wet season....the monsoon cometh...

I am sorry, and quite horrified how long it has been since last post. I am very well, and keeping extremely busy with work. I am now qualified-I have my Diploma which will allow me to work wherever in the world I want. I have been back and forwards out of Darwin- several trips back to NZ, several trips back to Alice,(for work), and last week a trip to Nhulunbuy(which is on the Gove Peninsula- on the western tip of the Gulf of Carpentaria).Nhulunbuy would have to be one of the world's best kept secrets- absolutely beautiful. Turquoise seas+white sands+ palms- what else is there?

This post I will just touch on some of the exciting things that have been happening to my family-

I went back for 4 days early June for Anna and Craig's wedding

It was such a happy day even though a fleeting visit for me-4days !!!

Early September I was priviledged to be part of the birth of Marlee Catherine Campbell. She is very dark- was 9 1/2 lb at birth- a big girl. Anna has maternity leave until January, and then I think Craig is to be a house husband. They are all doing well.

these photos are all at 2 weeks old.....

This one was yesterday- 5 weeks old-

taken with her very proud dad....

In the next week or two, Sara is expecting her second baby....they are going to be a very busy parents. I think Hugo(3 in Jan) keeps them on the run. I am heading over to help later in November.

Laura has been a very clever girl and lost 50kgs- I am proud of her life changing,(and life saving) effort. She is feeling so much better.

I have also had trips to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth- some for work, and some for pleasure. The airpoints are stacking up nicely!!!!

I will endeavour to keep the posts coming a little bit more regularly. I haven't got out much with the camera- my main lens was in Canon hospital for 3 months- finally got it back last week. Will be able to get out and about in the weekends now. Quite disabled without the camera !!!!

Take care- I am sure ChCh is warming up..spring was beautiful while I was back. I do miss the seasons- all the same here.....

lots of travels......

I have been very bad keeping people up with my news... I am sorry- it has been busy.

I am present in Adelaide.I have a week's study here as the Academic component of my Diploma. Several months and I will be all done. I have a case study to do, and a heavy assignment to work through.

I had a great fortnight back in ChCh over Easter. I went back home to photograph a wedding. I also went to, and thoroughly enjoyed two dear friends' wedding.What a special time that was.

My friend Jude and I, were very appreciative to manage an overnight trip to Hanmer. It was great spending some time in the hot pools.Also had several visits beyond Hanmer to visit the Acheron Accommodation House. It was built in 1862, and has been very well preserved. It provided food and rest for drovers and travellers and their horses.

Acheron Accommodation House.

We were blown away by the beautiful autumnal colours along the Clarence River and the Acheron. It is situated on the edge of Molesworth Station.

Clarence River



Towards the Lake Tennyson turnoff.

Above and below.

Acheron House

This image is similar to above one, but taken the previous evening. It was actually snowing in the tops of the hills. I had noticed how cold it was.....

I hope this finds you all keeping warm- I do know I am really enjoying the constant warmth of Darwin- I must be getting old!!!!
take care

The wet season goes.....

I have been remiss with my posts...but work is busy..no excuses I know. Our wet season is almost over which is a little sad. We haven't had a lot of storms, and the ones we have had, have been out of town. I did get out after work one night, and got these great pics.



Last weekend I went out to an area I have visited several times before- Fogg Dam. At the moment the dam is just covered with water,(about 2-3 inches) so is really interesting with lots of birds enjoying the easy pickings flowing with the water. The Egrets were doing the courting/squabbling thing, so managed a few images I liked.

This fellow below is a Comb Crested Jacana- he has enormous feet so he can walk on lily pads. They are extremely timid, so was quite delighted to get this fellow walking across the dam. They are very cute.

This below is part of the dam- an emormous area, usually covered with pink and blue lotus lilies.

Amongst the lilies I found many frogs- large green ones. Also in their hundreds were dragonflies- every colour of the rainbow.

It really is a nature photographer's idea of heaven. I had a great day.

I am looking forward to coming home for Easter- it will be a short visit to help celebrate some dear friends' wedding. I will be back 2 weeks.

I am off to Sydney(twice), Adelaide and Alice Springs (all for work)in the next few months- so the Air Points will be accumulating!!!

take care K

Another year starts......2009

I have been slack since the last post...been back home, had a holiday, had a surprise birthday party, and now back at work sorting out the year.....
I had a lovely break at home...catching up with family and friends.These are some of the family snaps.....






Hugo- now 2. We celebrated his 2nd birthday while I was in Auckland. It was a very special time to be included in a morning tea for 7 2yr olds!!And making an aeroplane birthday cake.

Madison and I enjoyed catching up with my cat- Silka.She's living in my house still-seems to be happy with her new(temporary )mum.

Laura(and her sisters) put on a surprise birthday for me. It was a wonderful day catching up with some dear rellies......and friends.

Anna had us for Christmas tea- this is her labrador doing his party trick...he will sit with something on his nose until you tell him he can eat......(not chocolate bell tho).

Cooling down on Boxing day- Craig with the 2 dogs in the pool!!!

My dear friend Jude and I made time to have a holiday- we had a few days staying in the camping ground in Naseby.It was relaxing, and the weather behaved.We chased sunsets, got stuck in mud (not good with a rental car !)....had many laughs. I really enjoy returning to an area I know- rephotographed this lovely old cookhouse. Spent a lot of time in the Maniototo- it is very special.

I am heading home again at Easter- so roll on the weeks.

Take care everyone especially on the roads. I lost 2 friends(a couple) to a nasty motorbike accident just after Christmas- makes one realise how fragile life is- please make the most of everyday.