Poppy meets Tama

Summer in Whakatane has been far superior to any other summer I have experienced. Saturday night was spent in the rose gardens with hundreds of picnic rugs, children running riot and listening to a Wellington Jazz band Shaken not stirred. It was fantastic even CH got up a strutted his fancy side together in broad daylight!

It really was fabulous, the weather was deliciously warm, the wine and beers flowed freely and everybody was very relaxed. Poppy spent the time flitting from rug to rug trying to muscle in on a new family or running very fast in alternating directions and trying in vain to get on the stage as she was completely enthralled by the lead female singer. Ella was happy snacking on picnic fare and pulling out her classic 'run in a circle dance'

We lost Ella. It was terrible, our back was turned as we packed up and she saw an opportunity and buggered off. All our friends hunting for the little brat and luckily I found her on the otherside of the park, far away from the music and next to the blooming river, by jesus it was about then Ella was thankful for Sue Bradfords little law.

I guess the only thing we noticed was the clear class distinction of the event. Sure, jazz does not appeal to all but surely in a place where 40% of the community are Maori you would see a similar representation. Less than 5% would be more accurate. It was exactly the same to celebrate Christmas at carols by candle light. I am not sure what the reason could be as they are all free events and fabulous for kids all you need is time.

We spoke to Tama as he rode his bike to the event and Ella is very into bikes as she promptly checked out his wheels and proudly declared that soon she will be three and she will get a bike if she is good(highly unlikely at this stage) Tama said that was good as a bike will take her everywhere(thats what I am afraid of!) Poppy was intrigued by Tama, shied away at first then he held out his hand and she reached for it looking intently into his face. She has always done this and possesses a look far above her years that counts and weighs somebody with her all seeing eyes. Quite unnerving when most of the time she is left wanting.