Spring Is Not What You Think Spring Should Be

If you were to tell me that Spring has sprung...at this point I would say you are mad! There is no rhyme or reason to the NZ Springtime...which means there must be a 5th season during the year that no one tells you about. The 5th season is the crazy, bucketing, hosing down rain that happens out of no where. Literally, you can wake up and have the most gorgeous morning laid out...and in the space of 10 minutes you can have bucketing, hosing rain coming down...and if you are as unfortunate as I have been...you will be WET!!!

Spring in my poor mind is gorgeous. Flowers bloom, sun is shining, and for the most part, Spring is like a comfortable sit in the window seat. However...here in NZ, Spring is like a wild animal that I never knew existed! I would expect these rain outbursts in the dead of winter...but the spring I have tucked in my memories is gentle, with an occasional shower. I remember the saying...'April showers bring May flowers'. But it is October...and I do not see the May flowers....some days I can barely see the Sky Tower.

I have finished up my mosaic art class at the school I was volunteering at..at least for now. My neighbor, Margaret, is a year 4 teacher at a private school over in Mt. Eden, and she asked me if I would be interested in helping out with a new art lesson. So every Tuesday I would make my way on the ferry, and then bus up to Mt. eden to teach in her classroom about mosaic art. The first few classes were utter chaos...I had previously taught groups of no more than 10...and here were 17 very active eight and nine year olds constantly asking questions, and sometimes being naughty. Glue was a bit of a worry, as it found more than just the surface of their projects. After the third class the students began to settle down and truly get into their creations.The final finish on the project allowed me to work with just two students at a time. Trying to oversee 17 students grouting their projects for the first time would have been a real nightmare. Working with just two students at a time gave me a great opportunity to get to know these special children. Our art class became the envy of the school, as the projects progressed each week. Other teachers have asked Margaret if I would consider teaching their classes...but...as of this moment I have not committed to any further volunteer projects.

The last day I was at school was special person/grandparent day. The whole school put on a musical program. My students very dearly asked me to come to their performance. I was in awe at the talent that they displayed. They sang, they played piano & violin, and they did parts of their theater performances. Truly amazing! When it was time for me to leave, the class gathered round and presented me with a huge envelope with personal thank you notes. Some of the girls clung to my leg and told me that they wished I could come back and teach them agian. I didn't have time to read these notes until I got home, as I was trying to make it to the bus stop. While we ate dinner, I read the notes to Rob and he was quite touched at how much the students enjoyed their mosaic class.

A few weeks ago I was walking with a friend from the gym, and she mentioned that since I love to be out walking that I should join the WOPS group. WOPS? (Women's Outdoor Pursuits). I was able to sign up just in time for the 6, once a week, intensive courses on saftey while out in the bush. Our first two weeks were indoor, learning about all aspects of tramping safety in the NZ bush. Then...yesterday, we got out in the bush, and abseiled down a cliff. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would ever find myself at the top of a cliff with a harness around my mid section, rope woven through my harness, and walk flat footed down the cliff. This lesson was about teaching trust, confidence and courage. Man I was trusting that instructor!! I am happy to say that I made it down that cliff with not one scape or bruise. My knees did, however, turn to noodles after I had made it down safely. I can also tell you that I will nevah, evah, evah do that again!!

Next week we will go into the bush on the Okura River Bush Walk. If it stops raining we might not need to hose down after the hike. It was reported to still be very muddy yesterday...and today we got more rain. As soon as the six weeks are up, I will be able to join in on 2 hikes a week. Have to pass the test first! Then I'll be an official wopper!

Rob & I continue to train for our trek that is coming up in less than 4 weeks! Hills and stairs are our focus... Hopefully, I will be reporting amazing things about our experience in the Milford Sound and Queenstown in the South Island. Our friend, Lisa, will be joining us from the States, so we have been busy making plans for a great time. You only turn 50 once!!

The beauty in New Zealand continues to amaze us...even despite all the rain we are experiencing. I hope you are all well and are enjoying a beautiful Fall. Can't believe one year ago there was a going away party for us at the Gun Club!