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August 2008 Vale Plato - 1989 - 30 July 2008. Amidst our good news this update we must pay tribute to our much-loved family member Plato. Originally inherited from the SPCA in New Zealand by Dave's good friend and sometime flatmate Toby, she was named not after a Greek philosopher but in fact due to her tendency to pounce on one's toes if you moved them under the covers at the end of the bed. Once a skittish and shy cat, Plato had mellowed greatly over the years and become friendly and affectionate, even submitting to become Charlie's plaything. Her favourite place was in any patch of sun or warm, soft surface and she was still able to climb up our attic ladder to the study; generally the warmest part of the house in winter afternoons. But old age had taken its toll (she was in her mid 90s in cat years) with kidney problems, high blood pressure (which had caused the loss of sight in one eye), arthritis and deafness slowing her down. On this particular morning we found her in some distress, unable to move her hind quarters. At the vet the decision was made that this should be her last miaow. We shall miss her.
On a happier note, we've just celebrated Charlie's first birthday, and are continuing to have a great start with him. He is becoming more active and adventurous by the day and is currently in the "I want to be a rock climber when I grow up phase." Mary & Andrew came over from Wellington for the big day (which by normal Flick & Dave party standards was a fairly low key affair). Check out other Charlie photos here.
Flick has recently been engaged in a couple of part time commercial pursuits, including running our neighbour's bed & breakfast for a month (while the owner was on holiday in Europe) and starting out in a tupperware party-style sales role for a children's educational books & toys distributor called the Learning Ladder. If you want any great gifts or things that your kids (0-12) will love then give her a call. Given the calibre of his fellow students, Dave was very surprised to learn that he had won the AGSM Alumni Association Prize for the graduate "who has performed at the most consistently high level throughout the MBA programme." The prize giving ceremony was followed a few weeks later by his official graduation, and he now has a very expensive piece of paper to show for his efforts.
On the work front Dave suffered a bit of a set back when his largest client was hit by the credit crisis and cancelled their project. The good thing is that this has given him more time to work on several business improvement and marketing initiatives including speaking at a couple of seminars, getting some press coverage, developing some new services around building and technology sustainability, catching up on some training and finishing a long postponed project to update the company brochure. Despite the general economic doom and gloom the commercial property market is still fairly active and while it won't be a stellar year, the company results are looking reasonable. With the onset of winter our social and sailing calendar has slowed down a little. Following the end of Twilight season ball (at which Dave provided a Cuban/Mexican music mix to an accompaniment of nachos and salsa dancing) we hosted our major party with an Eastern European gypsy theme (why? - why not!) including a spit roast lamb, lots of vodka and a couple of accordions. Fired up of course by the indomitable Gleeso who made the pilgrimage from Brisbane.
We've also hosted a variety of dinners and lunches and enjoyed the hospitality of Connor & Ali, Siobhan & Mark (plus Christian & Sam), Emma & Rik, Linda & Frank and Mark & Hels, had our annual fix at the Manly Wine & Food Festival and been to the Good Food Markets with Al & Kerry. Not to mention our first first birthdays with new friends from ante natal and mothers' groups.
Charlie was very thoughtful on Mother's Day, taking Dad for a walk to get flowers and breakfast goodies, and giving Mum a lovely new pair of pyjamas.
All the best,
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