Jay 3 Today

 A very early morning smoothy in Rotorua.

A big day ahead.

From The Old Album

Circa 1956

We moved from Nelson to Tauranga circa 1955 where dad (Ken) was able to get work in his trade as a painter and paper hanger. We, all five of us,  traveled from Nelson to Tauranga in a Morris 8. Dad's

new boss had an old converted army hut set up on his land on Beach Rd Otumoetai (see 1 in pic below). That was to be our new home. Must have been a hell of a shock for mum as they had a new home in Nelson, which incidentally, they had had to sell and move to rental out at the Glen not long before the move north. Times were tough for them after the war.

As dad got into his new job he also built a house on the bosses land (see 2 below). Fairly basic but better than an old army hut!

This picture shows dad working in the garden. The house is clearly not finished yet. 

For locals they will notice Matakana island on the horizon.

For us kids it was a good time living on the beach.

Funny thing,  one of my most vivid memories was going outside one night to watch the Russian satellite Sputnik 1 cross over our night sky. This was in October 1957.

The 50's/60's were peak cold war years and mum thought it was the beginning of the end once Russia got this object into space over our heads.

Sputnik 1

From The Old Album

 This old picture from WW2 came from Dad's handfuls of pictures he had in his old army bag.

I recall he said it was a German anti tank gun they captured. I think this is in Egypt.

Looking at the barrel it may be an 88mm (very effective and respected gun) See the pic below from a collection in USA which is an 88mm.

In the top pic note the German helmet.

Lewi

Lewis Oliver

10 1/2 months and a real hard case kid, so nosey.

We all love him but he never stops worming and squirming and getting into all the places that aren't kid proof. Nothing is safe when Lewi is around.

Just had his first steps recently.

Downtown Tauranga 2

From the Strand

 On the Strand

Around Tauranga This Morning

New against old

 Somewhat alien

 Cobbles at sunrise

 Colour at last. Seen this yet? Amazing.

The Boys At Easter

Kyle from Britain not that dialled into the easter egg hunt rules and regs!

 Jay trying to remember them...

 Off they go with Gran

 Buckets filling up

 Gran's amazing Kiwi cake and feast

 Lewi

 Kyle happier now

 But don't point that camera at me please...

 Yep, still smiling

Tauranga Jazz Festival 2018

Spent a couple of hours down town Sunday. What a great scene. Weather was perfect.

Loved the Yorkshire puddings at the Badger!! Oh and the Emersons beer.

 Crowd got right into it. Some more than others but it came together and everyone was having a great time.

300 Meters

Nice and quiet (well between shots) at the range over Easter. 

Happy with that, for now.

At Tarawera Lake

 We had a great time at the lake with the wider family.

Check out the hot tub!

Picture taken from Robs drone.