Favorite New Zealand Photo

The highlight of our trip has to be all the family time we enjoyed. We are front row and included in my sister's family portrait. The only one missing is husband Tony who had to be in Christchurch on business. Not only did he miss being in the picture, he didn't get an ice cream cone. Took a long time to cone-up this group, and many gobbled theirs down before others were served.

My NZ Nephews

 

View from the Wharf

Really Fresh

Our nephew Brandon gave us the grand tour and got us high on caffeine.

All Black Surprise

While in the Auckland airport, this beauty popped in. What a treat to get to see up close and personal, especially after these guys just won the world cup. Just part of the adventure of getting here. Delays and layovers and an unexpected day in Fiji.

New Zealand in the Texas Landscape

Looking around my backyard yesterday, I was surprised to see so much of New Zealand in my landscape. These are snaps of items brought to me by my sister who lives there or brought back by me. Among the pansies are a pair of lovely pukeko birds. This are my favorite New Zealand birds. They remind me of chickens, but the color is all blue. Love the orange beaks and legs. The paua shells that hang in my metal tree reflect the blue of the waters and shimmer in the light when the wind blows them. These shells get used in all sorts jewelry and art produced in New Zealand. The sea glass, small stones and tumbled brick pieces I found on the beach of Days Bay across from Wellington. The larger stones in the bird bath I picked up from a Pacific Ocean beach. The sound of the water rolling onto the beach of stones and receding back to the ocean amazes me and remains one of my fondness memories of visits.

Evan

There is a young man in my life that makes me very proud. He is such a special boy...sweet, loving, considerate, charming, smart, athletic, adventuresome and loved by all kinds of women. I've prepared a bit of a look at him through the eyes of the women, children and pets that love him. I'm the lucky woman he calls "Aunt."

Beautiful Food

On of the best things about traveling in New Zealand is enjoying the food. Presentation is stunning. Vegetables reign supreme. New Zealanders are especially serious about their coffee.

Sisters

What a pleasure to have my two daughters join me on a girl trip to New Zealand! We had a chance to interact as adults and to celebrate family. My sister lives there and so do all her children. We had a wonderful time. I invite you to share in our adventures.

AWAY

Today is the eve of my departure for New Zealand, and what I hope will be a month long adventure.  My two daughters are crossing with me, but they can only manage a 10 day stay.  Hopefully, I will be able to get to a computer and blog some of the happenings.  Check in to see how things are going.