Michael, Katrina and Family

David, Michael and Daniel

David (9), Michael, and Daniel (5) enjoy a moment in Wayne's (Katrina's father) boat at Pigeon Bay, back in October 2005.

Katrina, Susanna and Edna

Katrina, Susanna and Edna (Katrina's mum) enjoy the sun at Pigeon Bay. Wayne (Katrina's dad) is out on his new boat.

Lords of the Degrees, Extended Edition, Dec 15

Five members of the Lord family graduated from the University of Canterbury yesterday. Father Ken (BA in Russian and English Literature), eldest daughter Anna (BA honours in American studies), Tim (BSc, in absentia), Vicki (BA in psychology), and Katie (BA in American studies).

For the 18 months prior to marrying Katrina in August 1994, I boarded at the Lord's house ... so it feels like some of my extended family achieved a significant milestone yesterday. Ken's also my lawyer, so we've had a bit to do with him since 1994 with respect to buying three houses and selling two. Well done all round!

Full story at www.stuff.co.nz (I'm not sure when it will disappear from the site however).

Happy Birthday Joanne, Jul 27

My sister Joanne is 30 today ... hurray! Here's hoping you have a fantabulous day Jo ... with love from us all.

Happy Birthday Eric, Jul 26

My good friend Eric is having a birthday today! Way to go ... Mr Mack.

Kingsley with Grandkids, Jul 25

After enjoying a one-to-one cuddle with Susanna, Dad had a fun photo with all of his grandchildren.

Happy Birthday Mum, Jun 2

My wonderful Mum is celebrating her birthday in Perth and Brisbane today, part of her return journey from leading a woman's ministry event in Perth at the weekend. Thanks for being a great Mum, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY from us all.

Edna's 60!, Apr 6

Katrina's mum, Edna, is 60 today. But you wouldn't know that if you looked at all the energy she brings to everything she is involved with ... helping her three girls with their families, ministry at church, Girl Guides, and teaching Bible in Schools, among others. HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDNA!

Speaking personally, many have problems with their in-laws ... but not me. Edna and Wayne are TERRIFIC, and are a wonderful contributing part of our extended family.

Wayne's "Happy Birthday Sweet 60" Song

Download file

Edna Radford and the grandchildren sing "Happy Birthday Sweet 60", Edna's version of the 60's song for her man. This is verse 2, plus the chorus. The video file is about 4MB in size.

Fred and Barbara Berlack Visit from San Diego, Dec 11

Michael's colleague from Ferris Research days, Fred Berlack, and his wife Barbara, visited for a few minutes on Thursday afternoon. Fred spent 30 years at IBM, and then worked at Texas Instruments in its messaging and directory division, along with some very smart people, eg, Jim and his X.500 directory work. Barbara is a travel agent, and both Fred and Barbara like travelling at this stage of their lives. We shared lunch (courtesy of Ferris Research) at a nice restaurant (and joined by Fred's New Zealand-based colleague John Sinclair), and then Fred and Barbara visited for "5 minutes of noise and boys" before heading back to their cruise ship. Thanks for stopping by, Fred and Barbara.