Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.

or so says Aldous Huxley, in his 'Vedanta for the Western World, 1945'... and I would have to agree with him. I'm exceedingly happy at present, and it's not due to an over abundance of cash or worldly goods (but the 32inch TV is fun) - it's just due to life being very equable at the moment.

We had a stunning holiday in Kiwi land, this young lady has just started school,

and my present class is full of happy young children, and my boss trusts me to get my work done.

Holidays are planned for Christmas (Mum's 80th birthday in Whitby, February (Poland - a boys adventure this one), Whitsun (camping with Kids/Grand kids) and we're getting married next August...honeymoon in Rhodes (http://www.atlanticahotels.com/section.php?id=9 )booked!!!

We're not in each others face, but feel joined by an umbilical cord that stretches well (especially when I'm at the footie...).

Financially life isn't such a pancake, but, eh, has it ever been for me? We're working on saving the ten thou or so we reckon it'll cost us for the wedding, then we'll need a new car each after that AND save to go back to NZ at Christmas 2009!!





I suppose I've thought about this because I needed to get a copy of my Decree Absolute to prove I am free to re-marry. Sat looking at the dates married 22 August 1987 (which coincidentally is Suzie's birthday!!) and divorced Dec 1999. Was I ever happy between those dates? I can't really recall when (without the help of alcohol) I was. Isn't that sad?


Suzie is not having a good weekend - combination of family (of course...)hormones and mummy moments, but I think she is generally happy.

Oh Blow It - WE'RE HAPPY!!!

And so is she....:)

NZ seems a LONG time ago.....

Here's a few more bit's 'n pieces from our away days in New Zealand - before it moves out of our emotional range.


Northlands - A fab place. Forests, rocky ridges, isolated, ancient trees,
historic (in Kiwi terms anyway)paradise coves and outstanding beaches....we're going back!! (I think I may just have said this before...)

We went from Auckland to Tauranga via the Coromandel Peninsula - following the coast road, twisting and turning right against the Pacific Ocean - just had to stop and skim a stone!!

Tauranga


What a place Jack and Denice have - we were asked all over NZ if we would live there - and if Jack and Denice, for no apparent reason said here you are - we'd be gone!!!



Carolyn took us out for a couple of trips - first to Rotorua. One of my 'wow' moments. Remember dad getting us an encyclopedia when i was a lad and reading about this place - and to stand and sniff (well it is called Fartsville for a reason) and to be there !






Wellington, Cook's Straight, Queen Charlotte's Sound ,The South Island and back. (1st August - 11th August) 4000 km in 10 days!!!!

We had a great trip down via the 'Desert Road' - managed to get disorientated in Wellington itself, so found a motel outside the city. Had a great Turkish meal and had our first experience of BYO - Bring Your Own booze, which would have been great if an offie had been open....

For me personally the complete highlight was crossing Cook's Straight and going up the spectacular Queen Charlotte's Sound - again after reading about it from a distance and imagining - the reality was outstanding. If you live there - please don't become blase....

Then it was the whales....And Milford Sound...And Fox Glacier.....and Nelson....And Woodie the Hereford Bull being born..but you'll have to go our photobucket to see these.

Well - would we live there? Suzie would miss her friends and there is a distinct lack of footie, so we would probably have to say not at present BUT what a place to spend an extended amount of time...

ANYWAY - it's Whitby next at Christmas...(keeping the connection going....Cook!)