Tractor

In New Zealand we don't have the big highways that other countries have, so when you drive anywhere you often find tractors on the main road. We have to be careful when passing them as there are usually cars coming the other way.

The Tasman Sea

Today on the way back to Auckland we stopped off at the beach and put our feet in the Tasman Sea! It was Mark's first time to see a new Sea and even I hadn't seen it for many years. It was very cold, much colder than the East so we only put our feet in. No swimming for us! It was a beautiful day - it was a shame we had to waste it by driving back. It was a public holiday for Auckland Anniversary today which is why I was off work.

Katchafire

We got to see NZ band Katchafire at Winchfest! They were so great and Mark even got all their signatures. We had the best time dancing and singing. We have been listening to them for years so knew all their songs. One of the highlights of our weekend. We went behind the stage after the gig and got one of their guys to take a tshirt in and get the guys to sign it.

Winchfest

We are currently at winchfest in Taranaki which is on the west coast of the north island. This event is incredible. It's at our friend Janes house on her farm. So much fun! They built a winch wakeboarding pool where wakeboarders get pulled by cable through 3 pools and have to do jumps and tricks etc. it was pretty advanced and even the pro guys said it was pretty challenging. While the wakeboarding was going on they had a full on music festival with top acts such as Katchafire and The Upbeats were playing. We got the names of some incredible artists we are going to start following.

Forklift

Got to ride the forklift at work today! The warehouse manager, Brian, needed to get a box from up high so I got to move the forks up and down while he stood on them to get the box down.

The Moon

This photo doesn't do it justice at all but the moon was a really thin crescent this evening. I haven't seen a crescent like that for a long time! I just really wish I could get a clearer picture. Will try again tomorrow night.

Sky Tower

The sky tower is the tallest building in Auckland and can be seen from pretty much anywhere. You can always find your bearings when you can see it. It is a popular tourist destination with a revolving restaurant and you can even do a bungy off it. This photo was taken very close to our apartment.

Running through the trees

Today I am grateful that I am able to run through the trees. It's nice to get out amongst nature after a day at the office!

Working Out

Sunset we saw on our after dinner stroll tonight.

Today went to the park to exercise. I am training to do 6x 10km running races (and maybe 2 half-marathons!) between March and July so I'm grateful to be engaged to a qualified personal trainer who is training me to get faster and stronger! Today I ran a lap of the park then did some exercises such as jumping squats and push ups then ran another lap and more exercises. It was the first proper session so pretty tough but will only get easier. Mark enjoys riding his skateboard and doing tricks while I run.

Basil and Rosemary

Today we got Basil a new home and a new friend. We live in a small apartment so we found a windowsill pot when we went to get some new potting mix for him. We have more space for a coriander as well.

Jordan

Today I am grateful my beautiful niece Jordan. We always have fun together and she is just such a wonderful kid. Here we are riding her bike at her house. She loves to come and stay with Nan and Pop when I am there and we do our hair and make up and watch movies.

The Beach

Today was finally a nice day so we hit the beach. Even managed to go for a swim. I hope summer is finally here! Aisha and Mark are playing Frisbee in this photo.

Erick

Today my good friend Aisha came to visit us from Australia. We went out and had a Mont Gay and coke in memory of our friend Erick that passed away. it was a very special moment for us to share. we miss him very much so had to share a special memory of him.

blue sky

Today I am grateful for the blue sky! We haven't seen it for a while so it was nice to enjoy a pleasant evening after work without wind or rain. Makes such a difference to have beautiful weather.

Flying fox

Tonight Mark and I went for a walk after dinner. We saw a park on another walk and decided to go back there to check it out. It is a beautiful big park full of old botanical trees dating back to the 1800s and has a fitness circuit track and kids playground including a flying fox which we had to have a turn on. It was great fun and it so nice to get outside for a walk after the rain today. We are lucky to have so many lovely parks within walking distance to our apartment.

Starfish

Today we caught a starfish. The bait sat so long in the water the starfish grabbed onto it. I took a photo of him then threw him back. We did catch one small snapper which we had for dinner.

Little fish

Today we went fishing off the Birkenhead Wharf which is in North Auckland on the other side of the harbour bridge. It was very windy so we thought we were getting big bites but when we reeled them in, we would only get little things like this. Bit disappointing but good to get out.

Sushi

Tonight Mark and I had a Date Night and went to my favourite Japanese restaurant for sushi. It was so fresh and we sat at the counter where we could watch the chefs preparing everything. Then we went and had a quiet drink on the Viaduct and had a look at K-Road which is a street near where we live with lots of bars and clubs. Just fun to people watch!

Wynyard Quarter

Tonight I had my work belated xmas do in the Wynyard Quarter. I actually didnt take this photo so i cheated a bit but this is the foot bridge that connects the Wynyard Quarter to the City Centre. Its basically an old industrial area that has been re-vamped and there are restaurants and a kids play area there. We had a nice dinner then went for a few drinks on the Viaduct.

lemoncello

We went for dinner with my Aunt Vivienne, Cousin Sam and his girlfriend Lucy tonight. My Aunt made lemoncello and gave us a bottle which is so nice. We had Thai food which was great. Had a great night catching up with family.

Pohutukawa

Today I went for a walk after work past the Pohutukawa sculpture near our apartment. This is what we call the New Zealand Christmas Tree as they flower in December. It's nice to see sculptures around the city.

This is the real flower.

Cooking

Tonight was a rare occasion mark let me cook with him. Our apartment is so tiny it is difficult for both of us to be in the kitchen at the same time. We had beautiful home made bread-less Burgers and Kumura chips. Very delicious.

Rainbow

Today I saw a beautiful rainbow on my way to work. Unfortunately I took the pic a couple of seconds too late and just got the end of it. It was a wonderful sight first thing in the morning!

More Rain

More rain today but we still got outside and walked around. Thought this billboard was ironic since summer is yet to start. 2 weeks of holiday is now over and back to work tomorrow.

Rain

Today it rained the whole day so we stayed at home and made Chicken Liver Pate. We are thankful for the rain as it helps the farmers!

A Picnic

Today was a sunny day so we packed a picnic and went to the beach. We tried Mission Bay but as always is was so busy so we turned around and went to Okahu Bay instead. We had a beautiful view of Devonport and ate basil pesto, cheese, ham, pickles and beetroot and made sandwiches and also had antipasto with crackers. We played some music, read magazines and just relaxed. It was the perfect afternoon!

Dinner

I have been thinking the whole day what I will do for today's photo. We came back to Auckland today and the weather has been overcast and miserable. Then Mark made this amazing dinner so I knew I had my photo! Beautiful salmon with asparagus and sauteed mushrooms on a bed of rice. I will never go hungry with this amazing cook!

The Beach

After a rainy cold day yesterday we woke up to a beautiful sunny day this morning. As a New Zealander I am grateful for the amazing beaches that surround our incredible country. No matter how far inland you are the beach is always within a couple of hours drive. Today we are staying with my cousin in Whiritoa which is a quiet spot in between rowdy Whangamata and Waihi. We put our sunscreen on and got our towels ready and as soon as we got to the beach the wind came up from nowhere. We had a great time building sandcastles before heading back to the warm house.

Fish

Today I am grateful for fresh fish! Mark and Blair went fishing yesterday and we got to eat the catch for lunch. 3 snapper - 1 for the kids and the other 2 were put on the braai for the adults. Mark made a sauce of apricot jam, salt and pepper, lemon, butter and garlic and used our new fish braai to cook it.

Road Tripping

Today I am grateful for my greatest love Mark and his love of adventure. here we are by the L&P bottle in Paeroa where we stopped quickly on the way to see my cousin in Whiritoa. it was freezing outside despite being the middle of summer so we jumped out of the car and took the photo and raced back to the car. It turned out to be a nice afternoon at the beach so the boys took the boat out fishing.

There's no place like home

Happy New Year! The first photo of things I am grateful for is of home. I haven't lived here since I was 16 - over 15 years ago but it is still home and i always feel at peace when I come here - especially after a long absence. I lived and traveled overseas for 7 years and it was always nice to come home. My cat Sumo has lived here since I was 18 (after I had already moved out). I still stay in the same room when i come to stay and it is like i have never left.