Thursday, October 29, 2009

Mt Eden


I climbed Mt Eden not long after moving into the house. It takes about 15 minutes from our front door to the summit so it's hardly a workout. You get a great view of Auckland from the top. In this photo you can see the ever-present Sky Tower and the harbour bridge in the distance. What really impressed me though was the volcanic crater - now that's cool.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Table talk


Finally, we have a place to sit and eat and talk. The lounge room floor is fine for those (occasional) times when you want to stare blankly at the telly. But if you want to connect with people, the best way to do it is by sitting around a table - preferably with food on it.

I think we will have to re-introduce Manners Night in our house to remind the little ones of the basics they know, but choose to forget - bless them. (Thanks go to Ma for creating this tradition.)

Cooking a meal! That's another tradition we need to keep alive. Simple, yes, but it does take some planning - and time. Now I know not everyone enjoys cooking but it is important for us all to be able to throw something together and call it a meal. Boys and girls alike, should all know how to cook a meal, sew on a button and use the washing machine. This is not about feminism. It's a life skill! It might even help your child snag a girl- or boyfriend down the track (which could ultimately be part of your extended family). So it's in your best interest! Teach your children well!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Friends are never far away


I've discovered it doesn't matter how far the distance between friends, it can be bridged. Does that make sense? You know what I mean. These beautiful flowers arrived from Sarah M earlier in the week when I was feeling a bit down. Even in NZ, I think of Sarah as "Sarah next door". I've had plenty of emails and texts to put a smile on my face too - thanks everyone!

Missing you


The kids and I have been in NZ for almost five weeks now. Steve's been here for much longer of course. The pangs of homesickness are starting of affect us girls. The kids are really missing their friends, chickens, school and teachers. They are making new friends here and settling in to school but they've come to realise it's not just a holiday. I know when Ruby gets upset it must be tough as she is always the brave one. The photo above was taken on their first day of school. I managed to get one shot before the battery on my camera died! They look cute don't they? I am so proud of them. It's been such a big adjustment (for all of us).

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Auckland: beautiful one day, tsunami the next


Ah, you've gotta love Auckland weather. Yesterday we reached a top temperature of 9C. The coldest day by far but it was a freak cold snap (apparently). The poor farmers and their sheep[s] were caught off-guard with many animals in distress or dying. There was also the threat of a tsunami last week as well. I didn't know if we were in any real danger but the memory of the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 was playing on mind as I wandered the shops in search of a straw broom (every witch needs one)(still haven't found one). Anyway, that's enough about the weather.


Apart from a straw broom, there are a few (more interesting) things we need to buy for the house including a dining table. We never really needed one in Brisbane as we had our meals on the deck or at the island bench in the kitchen. The pic above is of the girls eating their spag bol at the makeshift table. Must go shopping!