Edendale Crank-Up

This is the 22nd year that Crank-up has taken place. The number of people were unbelievable since it was wet. The amount of machinery that has been lovingly restored, altered, or adjusted is amazing. Some of the stunts is wonderful to see along with the old hand shearing, blade shearing. An 82 year old man was going to shear a sheep this year but unfortunately kicked him the other day on a test run. There was all sorts of music, mostly older style music which was lovely to see and hear. Just for the record - there was also a lot of crafts etc if you were into buying cupcakes, souvenirs, etc.

Here are a few of the days photos.

Youngsters Pipe Band and the Deep South Rhythm Band












Crawler Tracker previously owned by Ritchie Robson











John Deer Tractor previously owned by Alan Sherman













Motorbike Stunt Riding










Helicopter Ride for the Whanau












For the Motorbike Enthusiast

Southland Summer

It is a summer to be remembered. Just to prove that Southland can also get hot. At 12 noon it was 32 deg.

The following one was taken in the morning... Note the time and temperature... this was on the way to milking.

Oreti Beach Swim

At 7.15pm on Thursday 21st January the young-at-heart went for a swim at Oreti Beach. The water was beautiful. After getting out at approximately 8.30pm headed home but got side-track after visiting Sandy Point Reserve (for a few wheel spins!!). 9pm found the young at hearts at The Cabbage Tree - for desert!!!

The Southland CLAN

and their DESERTS

Visit to Alexandra

As Reece and Louise are expecting their first child this month.

The weekend of the 16 January, I wasn't milking so headed up to Alex. That evening I was roped into driving the ute for 3 rabbit/hare shooters!! Or should I say wannerbe shooters.

Here are a few photos. Note the photo of the hare it was at least a metre from hip to the ground:

It is amazing where you can find awesome photo-shoot spots. Reece and Louise had their photo-shoot here but unfortunately I have promised not to publish the incriminating evidence.

Christmas and New Year

Well the silly season is finally over. Back to hard yakka... tomorrow. Today will try and sought out the suitcases.

Here's a little of what has happened in the last 14 days....

24 December 08 - flew to PN and stayed the night at Robert and Sarah's.

25 December 08 - shared Robert and Sarah's first Christmas morning!!

then...drove to mum and dad's for dinner (well it was a feast with turkey and chicken and, and, and more), then off to convention. Talked to Carol for 1 hour to see what she was doing in -40 deg heat :-) while we are in the +29 heat.


Here are a few of the creations I reluctantly gave away.

27 December 08 - put up the windmill that Dad is building for Robert and Sarah to pump water up their hill for animals and gardens. The scales measures in pounds. We had approximately 200 pound of weights and the windmill was lifting these. I THINK THEY IT WILL WORK.

1 January 2008 - went to PN for New Year's dinner at Malcolm's and Nikki's. What a spread 4 different meats alone!!. When we got home I cleaned my brothers bedroom - he moved out ages ago!! Hmmm!! interesting.

2 January 2008 - my cousins Roseanne and Estelle arrived with baby Maria. Had wonderful times together. They left on Sunday morning.

5 January 2009 - Mum and Dad dropped me off at Malcolm and Nikki's where I caught up with Alex and Callum my two Nephews!! Off course they are the apple of their Aunty's eye!!

6 January 2009 - Malcolm and Callum dropped me off at the airport and I was home by 10.30am.