We have two beautiful granddaughters Anahira 7 and Ataahua 6. As Bankers, we moved around NZ at our employers will. Ashburton, Wellington, Kaitaia and Hastings were a few of our favourite transfers.
We liked Hastings so much that we decided to retire there.
One of our long-term dreams was to live 'out of town', so 20 years ago we shifted from Hastings to a bare lifestyle block (20 acres) at Matapiro.
During these years we enthusiastically developed the land by landscaping and planting a selection of trees until the property now resembles a park - or golf course, which gives us the contentment of 'living in paradise'.
How long have you been playing bowls?
I joined the Heretaunga Bowling Club in 1979/80 season (the sport was only played in the summer then - now it is all-year-round), and I still love the game 37 years later.
I was one of the 'lucky generation' of non-working wives, so could channel my energy in to keeping fit with jogging, aerobics, and countless hours of practice all of which was a pleasure.
In those days women were not encouraged to attend gymnasiums - only men frequented these sweaty places for wrestling, boxing and goodness only knows what!
I coached swimming and hockey (youngsters) and bowls (adults) in the 1980-1990s, plus also umpired hockey and now bowls.
What made you join?
Bowls is a natural progression when one has been a competitive sportsperson, and I was aware that my parents and grandparents, plus my husband Bruce all played and loved the game.
All were ideal role-models and unknowingly, my coaches. I began bowls at the age of 39 - a starting age that was almost unheard of at that time, especially as bowls was very much considered an 'old' person's sport.
Bowls is a sport people can start as teenager, then perhaps skip a few years when family commitments may prevail, and then pick it up later in life - it's like riding a bike, one never forgets the skills.
What has been your biggest achievement?
I have been lucky to have had some success at various levels, (the highlight being a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in Canada 1994), and remembering that most of my success would have been impossible without assistance from my very skillful playing companions, both then and now.
But having some input into the improvement of the administration and publicity of bowls within Hawke's Bay I consider a more worthwhile feat.
When I was a young bowler, I remember some pretty devastating blunders, and at that time I vowed that if possible, I would try to improve administrative matters to make the game more pleasurable for future bowlers.
I am fortunate to be part of the current board of Bowls Hawke's Bay whose members have made it a progressive, enterprising and efficient organisation.
Have you played other sport?
As mentioned before, swimming (freestyle, Wellington rep), hockey (centreforward for Wellington), golf (faulty swing!) and cricket (tailend basher and wicketkeeper - Wellington rep - still can't throw overarm!) were my main sports.
My hobbies and interests are: gardening, arty-crafty stuff, walking (6k per day if possible), enjoying all the various types of electronic devices that are prevalent today, plus our family's activities.
All sports are character-building, but none more so than bowls, where the best players 'on the day' often do not necessarily win - perhaps due to the rub-of the-green or unlucky 'wicks'.
However, the frustration and disappointment involved is very good for controlling one's emotions in real life.
What is it about bowls that keeps you going back for more?
Long-term special friendships, many wonderful memories of past (some no longer bowling) playing companions - plus always that urge that inspires me to get my bowls closely nestled alongside the Jack, preferably with a 'toucher' marked.
Bowls is a game where one never achieves complete satisfaction. I love the colour, youth and sparkle that has become a feature of the game, plus the equality, laughter, and merriment that prevails after being vilified by so many, for so long.
At last old draconian clothing regulations have been liberated so that bowlers today look and feel attractive.
How important is fitness in your life?
When a teenager, I feared being overweight (like so many others), but I found that with regular exercise I could eat whatever I liked without putting on weight.
I've always been a fitness fanatic - long before the days of it being known to be good for your health! I loved all sport and outdoor activities, and was determined to achieve at my chosen sports swimming and hockey, and knew instinctively that fitness would help.
I suppose that you could call me 'competitive' - but I have always tried not to look aggressive - as personally, I don't like to see that in others.
Now that I have reached an advanced age, I can honestly say that keeping fit has made for a wonderful, satisfying quality of life. I still like the feeling of being fit and active.
What are your plans for the future?
Realistically - at 75 years of age I cannot plan too far ahead! However, after fracturing my kneecap a month ago, my short-term goal is to ensure that this injury heals quickly, and that I persevere with the necessary forthcoming physiotherapy to enable me to get back to normal life ASAP.