While at College the Bonds and McGregors have been practising 'out of here' most weekends.

This is specialised training but highly recommended if you want to sustain any sort of sanity while at College. This is John in his usual position - race car driver extraordinaire - John can negotiate Wellington traffic like no other and as Bob Dylan would say 'Just Knocking on Heavens Door' - if you know what I mean.

This is Shirlee assuming her usual role as camp mother - this time at the mall - always check your sushi for any foreign objects.
Caleb and Shirlee in their natural habitat, being long serving mall dwellers. Jamaica Blue of course. And last of all Shirlee and I, riding shotgun on 'out of here' campaign.

Yesterday we thought we would take Jasper the cat for a ride in the car in his new cat cage. This would, we thought, get him used to being in a cage and in the car. Very thoughtful of us we thought with his pending 700km trip. He looked lovely in his new cage with inbuilt feeder tray and with only intermittent miaows we thought he would be fine on the long trip - that was until Teri-Anne decided to open the feeder tray to give him a pat. Jasper, being an opportunist, saw the hole and made a run for it. Unfortunately he only managed to get his head through and no amount of pushing could make him go back, he was so determined that he resorted to spinning his body around - a very good party trick. We were so convinced he was taking his last breath that we resorted to the vet where two animal experts pushed and pulled his head back into the cage. So much for giving him a good experience.

Commissioning Weekend

This is the moment I was commissioned as an Officer with the rank of Captain!

This is us at the Silver Star dinner!

And this is the moment I received my Diploma In Biblical Studies!


What a weekend - 2 years of hard work made it all the more special.

 

Yesterday was the deadline on all complaints!

What a cheek. John has just told Corryn and I that he is going to work in the library as we talk too much in the computer suite. I'm sure I don't know what he's talking about.

Don't take life too seriously you'll never get out alive!


Marching practice today with the real army. Amanda said we looked hilarious - that was very encouraging - glad we could provide you with entertainment.
- after much practice the army man said we had improved markedly - Garth wasn't able to tell because they put him up the front so he couldn't watch us but my guess is he wouldn't have agreed. He just couldn't understand that we couldn't understand that you swing the opposite arm to the opposite foot. duh!

The Grandchildren minus 3

Baby Joel Update

Let's hope he makes it to commissioning!

Before I Came to College I wish I'd known that you can know everything and still fail an exam!

Like kids - Exams are a great leveller

(I'm being negative though of course I'll pass)

'Chill Pill'

Hard to believe that in only 4 weeks we will have vacated campus and be returning to the regular world of regular houses and regular streets and regular lives. I wonder if it will be as I remember it - the regular life that is. Finally finished all assignments but still have a couple of things to tidy up this week along with packing and cleaning and and the remaining timetabled classes. Commissioning is 12 days away and looming fast. It's great being gifted with a new uniform but the tailoring is proving to be problematic and who knows what the outcome will be for the event.

This is Milly Anne, 8lb 10oz - she's a beautiful one!

Another milestone reached yesterday - did my last lead and sermon - it's the days of the countdown. We went to Woodville for this which is, we discovered is the Windfarm Capital of New Zealand- I was sure a teletubbie was going to come bounding over the hills at any moment. On the way back we visited the Mt Bruce wildlife centre, which is well worth a visit at only $8 and a coffee shop. Saw the biggest eels I've ever seen and a kiwi - beautiful bush walks too.

NEWS FLASH! NEW GRAND DAUGHTER

Millie Anne Harris born 11-31am, 8lb 10oz

Hold the bus - Shirlee IS in the building!
We just managed another coffee break - there's a lot to be said for breaks as I can now continue my assignments knowing that all is well - John has taken to his bed - Shirlee is ringing the Chinese Embassy to put a stop to them using super human glue on their price stickers - Grant and Justine and also Jenny are on a mission to provide us with exam notes (great, bring it on I say). Corryn has been appealing to God for inspiration - so far no reply.
-That's life on campus-

Joel William

This is my newest grandson - Joel William Harris - 6 weeks old. Isn't he very cute! 

Aunty Bob hits blogosphere

I finally did it. Got myself a blog.

This will be great to keep in touch only I'm not quite sure if my life is exciting enough. Bound to be next year.

Thanks Corryn for publishing me on your blog, I am after all the expert on the South Island.

John and Corryn are with me in the computer suite. John, true to form, is writing up his sermon on saving souls. Corryn is keeping track of coffee breaks. And Shirlee of course is conspicuous in her absence - probably planning her escape from camp - she may make a special appearance tomorrow - hope so.