The Holidaying McGillans.

From Charmaine, Michael and girls...

Hi Mum we have had great time in Bangkok and we are now in Bali staying near Kuta Beach, we have had many great adventures riding and feeding elephants, being one of them. Today we went on a bike ride that was about 25kms downhill from the volcanic Mount Batur through villages, rice paddies, rainforests, avoiding sleepy dogs chickens and the locals on their mopeds, it was very cool, I doubled Chloe and the guide doubled Holly. The locals are very friendly.

Love Mike and the girls.

Christmas in Holland

Here's a Christmas photo of Ted's family in Holland.

Piet Sterrenburg (Cousin) Immeke (26) Piet's daughter Aunty Mary & Uncle Gac (Sterrenburg) Maartje (27) Lies and Bertram's daughter Lies (Cousin)

Holidays again!

A catch up of what has been happening at Paradise Orchard...

Judith came up for the Tarnished Frocks and Divas show. On the Friday we walked around the Mount, then enjoyed a visit to the Te Puna Quarry gardens.

Here we are at the Tarnished Frocks and Divas Show. Yvonne (in beret...the show had a French theme), Judith, Rachel, Ellen, Jennifer, Anne, and Gloria. Front row seats!

We had a fabulous time!

Dame Edna Everage

Here I am at Esmee's E party. It was great to have abundant coloured hair... and to be able to "hide" behind my cool glasses!

Dancing

We are back dancing! Super! We first started learning with Irene Oliver in Rotorua. She was nearly 90 when she was teaching us, and she was fantastic.

The Hall where we had our lessons.

Inside the hall.

 

Easter and Anzac Day

We went to the Maketu Dawn Service at the Maketu Marae on Anzac Day.
An inspiring service followed by breakfast on the Marae.
During Easter we caught a little bit of the Jazz festival in Tauranga, with street performers, and on Easter Sunday we had lunch with Sarah at Papamoa, for my birthday. Sarah gave me some lovely gifts, and also my first ever "Step-Mother's Day" gift. This I am not allowed to open until Mother's Day 8 May, so the parcel will sit on the sofa till then, for me to look at!

Yvonne's Special 65th Birthday Lunch

Today I had a birthday lunch with a special group of friends. Thanks Anne for arranging it. Thank you too, for the lovely cards and gifts, and I really appreciated Ellen travelling from Ohope, and June from Galatea.

My birthday cake.

And flowers.