My name, rather obviously, is Judy. My husband (second one) is Jim. I have two adult children and eight grandchildren whose ages at time of writing range from 17 years down to 2 years. Jim & I live in Christchurch, New Zealand. As you will read in my “Restoration 101” pages, we moved from New Plymouth to Christchurch to help with the rebuild after the massive September 2010 earthquake. “Restoration 101” is my diary of how we bought an “as-is-where-is” house that was to be demolished and are currently restoring it way beyond where it was pre-earthquake.
I have a teaching background and taught, over 30 years, children from 5 – 13 years both within classrooms and individually. I may re-visit the individual tuition at some time if time allows!
My interests vary from travel (mainly in NZ up to this point in time) and exploring the great outdoors, to tennis, walking and photography. I have kept a diary (spasmodically) since I was a child and have several partially-written books which I will complete one day (I say so hopefully!!). I am a firm believer in God as the creator of this world and director of my life and will include pages with various meditations and considerations. I have recently resurrected my books and notes on Family Heritage and am exploring avenues within all the knowledge that has been gleaned by others (see Family History pages to follow my endeavours). As you will also see from my “Food” pages, I enjoy cooking (and eating) wholesome food, so as I come across a recipe that is a little different, I will share that with you also. When my children were small I spent much time working with various media and creating “things”. I hope to find time to allow me to rediscover this skill also.
As I know I have less years left in front of me than are behind me I do have a “bucket list”. On this I would so like to travel to the countries, towns & cities of my forebears – specifically England, Scotland, north-eastern USA and Nova Scotia. Closer to home, I would love to learn to surf (on a board) and complete writing & publish my books.
I can’t specify just one attitude I have to life – so many people have said so many profound things – but I do hope I portray a positive, uplifting attitude where the lives I touch in one way or another are in some way blessed and encouraged though meeting and knowing me.
Judy's Summer Fruit 
Hi Judy I am lying on my bed situated in a Bach on the foreshore of Te Maika. I’m looking out to the incoming tide of Kawhia Harbour. The sea gulls are squawking, the sun is shining on a cool winters morning. Like you I have been coming to Te Maika all of my life and the family are fortunate to have 5 generations use the Bach built by my father for his parents. We are truly blessed to have experienced this piece of NZ paradise.
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Hi Janet, you’re really at Te Maika now?? I didn’t think anyone went there in the middle of winter… but if the sun is shining, why not??! I’m in Christchurch where we’ve had rain for 24 hours and it’s not stopping yet! I am watching a very dirty Heathcote River flow past and there are geese and ducks and many dogs and people walking past (as I industriously cook lemon curd!).
We have met several times and I know your bach, as you will know mine! But it lovely that you have come upon my blog which is several years old and I have more-or-less forgotten about!
Yes, we are totally blessed have long associations with Te Maika!
Judy
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Hello, Judy. I found your blog while trying to learn more about Te Maika. You have really well-written and emotional posts about the place that I’ve wanted to go there all the more. You see, I haven’t been there but I’ve heard of it for the first time about a month ago and I’m just so captivated. Just wondering if you know how to get there from Kawhia without a private boat. Is there any local person we can contact to take us there and then pick us up later on? Thank you. Cheers, Hanna
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Hi Hanna, Thank you for your comments… I don’t write blog posts very often so it’s lovely to hear from someone who has read one! Te Maika is a special spot, for sure!!
Yes, there is a launch service that runs frequently over the summer. You can certainly ring the operators and book a trip. Honey Rewi is the contact and her number is 0275008223. It is best to text her and leave a message or get her to ring you.
There is accommodation at Kawhia but I can’t give you any contacts at Te Maika as the baches are all privately owned and I have no idea how many of them are available for holidays (or even contacts for them).
Cheers, Judy
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Hi Judy!
Just wanted to say that your blog is looking lovely. 🙂 I’m so glad you’ve got it doing what you want it to do and that it’s working for you! I’m you’re newest follower. 🙂
Many blessings and best wishes for the exciting world of blogging
Bonnie (your sort-of helpful bloggy advice person)
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Hi Bonnie!
Hey, thanks for that 🙂 I don’t know that I really know what I’m doing yet, but I am doing my best to post at least one blog each day. (I think you’re my first “follower” so yay!! to you 🙂 You were very helpful, too – I’d probably still be floundering!
Blessings, Judy
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