Blogs from Timaru, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 5

2008 Science Fair Project - Solar Desalination In August I chose my science fair project topic. I chose this topic because I knew it would be interesting. I did online research and built a desalination tank in my kitchen and I put it out for 4 days and got 50mls of fresh water. (It wasn't very sunny which is why I didn't get very much.) We took sea water from the Pacific Ocean which is 5 minutes away from my house in New Zealand. See photo of me collecting water with Sydney and Avery. It was hard work but it was worth it. In early September I was chosen from Highfield School attend the regional Science Fair. I was one of 20 out of 50 people chosen to go on to the next level. On Wed ... read more

With apologies to those of you who are not really interested in the medical aspects of my life here, or who find this too technical: just skip to the end and admire the farm pictures!! I have now been working in the ED about 5 weeks. I really like the nursing staff, and though we are usually moderately busy, it never seems crazy busy-although I have been assured that just since I arrived, the overall volume and admissions have increased dramatically. All I can say to that is, “MAGNET.” However, although supposedly beds have been short, we have not yet been “boarding” any patients, and generally once a decision is made to admit, the patients go upstairs pretty quickly. This is especially true for ICU and CCU patients. They are out of the ER before I ... read more

All three kids are very involved in team sports. I know we have posted the blog of the cross country, but I wanted to also show you some team sports. Basketball ended a few weeks ago for Graham, but at the last game he got "player of the week". It starts up for Avery's age group right after winter break at the end of July. Graham's soccer team won their first game this past week. Gregg and I had to divide and conquer - rugby and soccer were at the same time at different ends of town. Gregg watched Graham play soccer and I watched Avery play rugby. Avery should have gotten "player of the week" last week. He scored 4 trys (goals, touchdowns)! We missed the evening event where they announced "player of the week" ... read more

I wanted to share some pictures of the kids in their school uniforms and tell you a bit about their schools. Highfield - ages 5-13 - School starts at 8:50 and ends at 2:50. Uniforms are blue sport pants, their green and blue tops either long or short sleeve, and they can wear a fleece or sweatshirt. They are allowed to wear tennis shoes of thier choosing. The boys are lucky enough to walk through the back gate to the school yard. This is handy for having kids over afterschool and occasionly coming home for lunch. After three weeks, both boys (sometimes I think Avery just goes along with whatever Graham says) say they are not challenged. I am planning to meet with the teachers this week. I really think it is a matter of getting ... read more

May 12, 2008 We're here, we're here! It looked like Iowa when we landed - flat with lots of farm land. We were so surprised when we drove into Timaru and saw how hilly it is. Our house is cute - 3 bedrooms, 1 toilet, 1 bathroom and a nice kitchen, dining, living room. Each room has an electric heater and the living area has a wood burning fireplace. I think we are going to be building lots of fires! We are on a bit of a hill with the boys school right behind us. In fact, they walk right through the gate to school. From their school, and from the hospital, you can see the mountains and the ocean. Although the kitchen has two dishwashers (top and bottom), the laundry room only has a washer ... read more