Love is promise, love is a souvenir, once given, never forgotten, never let it disappear (Tears For Fears)

Asher, a happy footballer this weekend!

Wie geht's?

A special birthday post and welcome to the world to our second grandchild!

September 2, 2023 arrived and so did our new granddaughter - Poppy Mae. 

A daughter for Adam and Ashleigh in Melbourne, Australia, is a momentous occasion. In a few years time she may be curious about where we all were and what the Purdy side of her family was doing when she joined the whanau.

So, here's the skinny...

For a start, Poppy, your mum and dad were up all night and pretty busy dealing with your immanent arrival in Melbourne. Like all new parents, they were understandably exhausted, elated, emotionally drained, excited beyond belief, nervous, and worried, while dealing with headaches and the post birth situation.

Your paternal grandparents (Jacky and me) had a fitful sleep in Takapau, New Zealand, with our phones beside us, waiting for news. We woke to the great message from your dad - 'it's done!'

Uncle Keegan, meanwhile, was in China, not sleeping, like Adam, but messaging through the night, waiting for news.

Aunty Samantha was in Nevada's Black Rock desert, finishing up attending the Burning Man Festival and sitting out a big storm that hit the desert. At the moment she's stuck there with Andrew - waiting for the all clear to leave.

Aunty Jade and your cousin Asher were tucked into their Palmerston North beds, dreaming of football (last 'game' of the season was waiting for him when he woke up), and their new niece.

When your dad and uncle/aunties were born I liked to document what was happening elsewhere in the world - important stuff like what Arsenal were up to, movies that were showing, music chart action and so on.

These days the internet takes care of that, and by the time you are interested in this stuff, who knows what technology will be available to you.

But, for old times' sake - indulge me as I do a brief run down:

• In world news, apart from that big storm in Nevada: the war between Russia and Ukraine continues with a counter-offensive by Ukraine; the Pope visits Mongolia; a typhoon hits Hong Kong; and in New Zealand, we are in election mode with the usual political jabs and feints being played out. 
• Arsenal weren't in action over the weekend, but they are currently unbeaten at the start of the new English Premier League season after four games having beaten Manchester United this morning 3-1.
• Oppenheimer and Barbie are the big movies playing at the moment (Barbie just finished her run), Oppenheimer is ending today in Waipukarau.
• Music charts don't actually exist like they did in 1986 when your dad came along but Kylie Minogue releases new music this week and Royal Blood are top of the album charts.

So there you go, Poppy - welcome to the world little one! 

And, by the way - 'love is promise...once given never forgotten' as Tears For Fears sing in Advice For The Young At Heart. You're special, and one of the lucky ones, because you will be loved unconditionally for the rest of your life by all members of the Hope and Purdy families.

Love and peace - WNP