Time for an update

Well, to say I've been busy would be an understatement! August is a busy time on a dairy farm, and this year has been no exception.

To add to the normal issues of calving cows, it has been extremely wet. Brian also did damage to his pelvis whilst trying to do the splits after falling off the motorbike. This put him in severe pain, and I had to step up to help out. To add insult to injury, he didn't make the olympic gymnastics team!

We bought a new farm in June, this is the one that flooded. Somehow, I have found myself managing it! Next week I will be milking a few cows there too! I must admit, I have really enjoyed the challenge. I decided not to renew a contract from DairyNZ to be a Consulting Officer, which was fortunate, as I would not have been able to do it!

This photo is at our runoff. These calves are hereford cross, and are being looked after by a 'nurse' cow.

Training took a back seat while all this was happening. Although, I think my endurance and strength as been improved as a result.

My training is back on track, suprisingly I have been able to put in some solid efforts, although a hill climb last week almost killed me!

Next weekend, I'm off to Christchurch then up to Kaikoura for the Spring Challenge. Can't wait!

This photo is of a 12 m pole being driven down into our cowshed site. We have had to preload

the site, and will need to drive around 700 poles in order to stabilse the site to build a 70 bale rotary.

Open Water Swim

The water rose within an hour, and Brian had to rescue our yearlings. This sort of flooding occurs on average once every 10 years, but it's the worst I've seen it in 15 years of living on the Hauraki Plains. We took over this property on June 3rd. We knew it was going to be wet, but now it's really wet! Our home farm is wet too, with some surface flooding.

And so it begins....................

I'm officially back in training mode for triathlons. This of course means that I have to start swimming again. I don't particularly enjoy swimming, mainly because I'm slow. The only way to get faster is to practice, and get a bit of coaching. I'm off to Thames shortly to do a few lengths and see how I go.

I've put on a fair bit of weight. I've just been really hungry! We've got a busy time on the farm coming up with calving, so if I can keep outside, and busy, I should be able to drop some weight.

I've been busy with family things, Dad was in hospital, my friend has been diagnosed with Lymphoma, and we've had numerous other 'issues'

I've got 101 things to catch up on, including finding Celine's dental plate. Which Ella has 'hidden'. GRRRR.

I've also got lots of emails to reply to, bills to pay and training to do. Ahh life goes on (thank goodness!)

Cheers,
Juls

Quick Update

I'm back from Melbourne, I had limited internet use, so only quickly updated buckeyeoutdoors, and the Rotorua HIM crew.

Melbourne was great - we got to see filming of Nicolas Cage's latest film, the museum - Phar Lap the great New Zealand bred horse was on display. Caught up with my sister and her husband.

I managed to complete the half marathon, this was despite doing no training for a week, and feeling lethargic and very overweight! I read on that there was a medal for all participants, so that geared me up!! The medal is REALLY cool, the nicest one in my collection I think!

The run was very well organised. The half marathoners started at 7.15, the 10 km runners started at around 9, and the 5 km at about 9.30, so the fastest of the shorter distance runners were running down the finishing chute with me - they were SOOO fast! Brian was standing on an overbridge taking photos as I finished - so many of the runners behind me in the last 200 m were finished in front of me - and I thought I was running pretty quickly (had just passed a girl, who had earlier passed me, and she wasn't going to bet me!)

Actually, my pacing was good - I passed heaps of people in the final lap, something I have never done before - I usually get passed.

Will add photos and more to the post tomorrow.

My friend is coping well, first lot of chemo last week, still a long way to go though!

Just found out my Dad's in hospital too! Will catch up with him and Mum tomorrow.

Motivation!

I'm back into motivation mode. I've got a half marathon to do in 7 sleeps time, and two half ironmans to do in 6 months time. Not to mention the adventure race in three months time! Throw in a bit of normal life and running a dairy farming business into it, and wahoo busy busy!
Just the way I like it!

I've taken a giant step today, and phoned a friend who is a nutritionist. I'm sure she's going to get me back on track, and give me someone to answer to regarding my diet and weight. The first appointment is locked and loaded, so looking forward to a slender and faster me. (Talked to a man today who lost 20 kg, and 40minutes of his half marathon time!!!) - so there's a challenge!

...and then - Reality Check!

Just when I'm feeling lowish - fatter, slower, older, sorer, etc, reality hits, and you realise that things aren't too bad afterall.

My dear friend has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, from what I can read, a nasty blood cancer. She lives in Warnambool, about 4 hours south-east of Melbourne in Australia. We had planned a trip to see her and her husband next week, so I'm pleased to be getting over to see her, and give her and her family some support. She's a very competitive person, so I'm sure she'll give getting on top of this top priority!

So no more complaining from me for now - I'll just keep my goals and abilities in perspective and get on with doing the best that I can!

We're going on a Turkey shoot!

Warning - Content may offend some people!!!

On June 3rd, we took over a new farm, it's fantastic, has lots of native bush and birds. The next door farm was also sold, it has hills with great views over the Hauraki Plains and Firth of Thames.

Both farms have LOTS or should I say had lots of turkeys. These were living on the farm nesting in trees and making quite a mess. Brian asked the neighbours if they'd like some 'culled', so yesterday the crew went out and had some fun!

In the photo are good friends John and Steven, and children - Steven, Ryan, Blake (friend of Ryan) and Celine.

Birthday parties

Ella turned 3 on June 2nd, which was also a public holiday in New Zealand - Queen's birthday, which isn't really her birthday, but a celebration of her coronation. I'm not too sure what we'll do when she finally dies! I wouldn't mind a holiday in August sometime, as there is a long break between Queen's birthday and our next public holiday, Labour day in late October.

Anyway, must put in a picture of the cake. I love decorating cakes - it's good fun, and heaps cheaper than buying one - I looked on-line at the price of decorated ones - whew! Although I can safely say the high cost of them is justified in the time they take to make!

South Island Holiday

Celine with the cast of 'What now' after the show - unfortunately the great photo of her with the presenters was deleted by Ella!

Parents didn't get to go on the show, we watched it in the waiting room.

This is the start of the St James walk on the top of the Lewis Pass. No snow there in late May, but georgous!

We didn't make it to the West Coast, or to Kaikoura. We spent most of our time at Hanmer Springs.

Our friends Ciaran and Sarah came runners up in the Sharemilker contest. This was a great result. We'd loved for them to win, but runners-up I think will suit them better - they will have a busy year anyway, without being in the limelight as well!

We also went to visit Andrew and Anne-Mary at Culverdon. They have been extemely busy! Andrew has just bought 1000 hectares, and is building two 80 bale rotaries - as well as developing the farm for irrigation.

After getting back from Christchurch, I left the family for a two day meeting at the other end of New Zealand - Kerikeri. I love the Northland region, but was really only there for work. I even missed out on going to the chocolate factory there! Well I guess that's a good thing!

I'm trying out new things, here is the map of the Melbourne Half Marathon. It's a two lap course - I will have to run fast so I don't get lapped by the winners!