I am a little hesitant about DIY, but, decided to give this one a go. It wasn’t actually leaking, but, an oily residue was coming out. Apparently this was suggested that the o-rings needed replacing. AI assured me that I could turn off the valves under the sink (there are no valves, and it wasn’t necessary anyway). YouTube to the rescue with a simple video showing how to do the replacement. Worked fine. Total cost $15 or something (mainly the plumbers silicon) and done.

Cousin Thomas was in town and we caught up for lunch which was lovely. After a quick chat he decided to try AI to create a portfolio website he needed. Took about 10 minutes and worked perfectly. Far more beautiful than anything I would have created by scratch. It’s kinda ridiculous to be honest.

Speaking of AI, I remain quite unconvinced, or at least uncertain how things are going to turn out. There’s no denying that it’s useful, nor that it was created by ripping off copyright on a massive scale. It’s also true that it can do an incredibly job, far better than any junior could do (except the AI does not learn from mistakes, not really). However, while I do use it daily, I absolutely shepherd it towards the solution I want, pointing out edge cases, making trade offs etc. So, I feel that currently seniors are still needed. The real question is: will AI catch up and surpass seniors (if so, how is it learning that as its only trained on what material is available and it doesn’t really understand anything. And also, what happens to the industry if no one hires juniors for 3+ years? As an undergraduate / trainee, how do you resist the temptation to just use AI and smash stuff out, but, if you do that how are you actually going to learn what works and what doesn’t.

I have no idea, I really don’t. I’m feeling incredibly thankful that I found a role quickly after Vibrant Planet came to an end (for me). I’m still a little sad about that one, it was a great role and in the fullness of time climate work is definitely something I’d like to return to. In the meantime I’ll continue with snowpool I guess!

Anna had a good time at the holiday programmes in August. Elements is one she currently enjoys. I’m dead jealous of all the exciting sports and skills kids can be exposed to during the term breaks. When she’s a bit older I hope she’ll enjoy sailing and climbing and, well, anything else she cares to try. Pretty cool.

I went for some walks in the hills. I love it once I’m out, mustering the oomph to just get out there is sometimes lacking. Give me a break, I just started a new job ;)

We went out to try and see the Panstarrs comet. This is not my pic:

I took out the tripod, pointed in roughly the right direction, but, couldn’t find it. I think I waited a little bit too long and it was far enough away. Or maybe too much light from the city. Or maybe I need a better lens ;). It was quite fun though getting out stellarium and working out how to get the data for tracking the comet into it so I at least knew which part of the sky to look at.

I bought a mortar and pestle and made chimichurri (don’t think I actually used that recipe, but something like it). Was yum, and we were out of the cheapy red wine so opened a very nice bottle which I’d been given by an old colleague from California. Was an absolutely excellent dinner.

And the fall colours are just lovely this time of year :)

We had a lovely weekend up to Castle Hill with Sylvia and Colin.  It’s such a nice spot up there.  Close enough to be easy to get to; surrounded by hills, and the whole “alpine village” thing going on.  Lovely.

Lots of walking, playing games, slip’n’slide for the kids (and Colin who doesn’t mind the bruises/rocks).  Roller-basketball, a game invited by Lara and Anna. In fact basically roller everything.  They were ball girls when Colin and I were playing tennis, and of course everything had to be done on roller skates.  Still, the skills are definitely improving as a result!

I got a lap in up Leith Hill which was great. With a bunch of adults and only a couple of kids there was plenty of time to get some exercise in.

All in all a very fun weekend!

Well, I guess I’ve already talked about it, but, it was a momentous occasion for me finishing up at salt works my beloved co-working space and moving into the TradeMe (myRent) offices. I made some caramel squares as a token of my appreciation. They were well received.

The new office does have a decent coffee machine too (hurrah!) and snacks! (also hurrah, though I’ve been trying to steer clear of anything too sugary)

Glynn was down and we had a lovely lunch.

We also had term break. Honestly, it’s just not that easy being parents and having to juggle pick ups & drop offs & term breaks & school holidays, especially without grandparent support. Yes, it’s our choice to be here (and happy to be here!), but, NZ society just isn’t designed around two parents working jobs. Luckily for us we’re both in .8 roles so it’s more manageable.

Anna is definitely getting more and more into reading which is lovely to see. We’re currently making our way through Swallows and Amazons (on Swallowdale at the moment) and very much enjoying them.

It’s quite fun doing bike trips together.  We all get exercise and it’s a nice way to get around.  It was totally worth getting the follow me tandem (we got ours second hand on TradeMe).  That said, we’re now looking to use a bungee going forward.  Well, at least have the option of it.

Anyway, drove to Kaiapoi, parked up and biked to Waikuku beach to camp for the night.  I needed to fix our air-matress before we could go though.

Actually a very simple fix once I’d found it (you just have some glue basically and that’s it, doesn’t even require a patch).  Not sure how quickly the glue will expire now (the rest of the tube). Thank to Steve & Michelle for the loan of their bath.

All in all it’s a pretty cruisey ride through to Waikuku from Kaiapoi.  Almost entirely on bike track and flat.  Can definitely recommend the trip.