Activities

Friends from distant shores

You know, I've known my German friend Linda and her Kiwi husband Jason for a lot of years (like 15 plus years lots), and over that time it has been good to meet a whole bunch of different friends from distant shores. Last week we went to their place for a fabulous meal and to see Peter and Catrin again. I think they've been to NZ four times, and I think I've met them on three of those occasions.





It's the way with a lot of friendships, interconnections of connections that make us interconnected interconnects! That calls for a group shot.





With 3 people from Germany, plus Linda and Jason's new Russian neighbours to add to the mix of Kiwis and token Oriental chick I would say the evening was a multicultural affair, with a variety of traditional foods as well.

Great to see the kids just playing merrily together, whosever property they were on.





Thanks, L & J, it was fun.



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Model airplanes

We make squillions of them, from cardboard or foam or polystyrene or plastic - we cut the shapes out and stick them together and our son loves to launch them.





Most of these end up being pulled apart by the dear boy the following day (or the following hour), but from the point when the plane has been modelled to the test flights on the lawn, off the stairs or from the balcony, it is his most prized possession.





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Bottle rockets

Since I live with two boys who loves flying objects of course we would be letting off bottle rockets at dusk. Doesn't everyone?!?

Sailing to Owhanake Bay

It was our last weekend before the holiday break was officially over. We've been waiting for a bit of decent weather without too much wind to head out again, and on Saturday it was good enough.

I was at the tiller for a lot of the time, practicing my steering skills. Yes, I'm definitely getting the hang of this.





When we were out of the channel we sailed using the headsail. It was peaceful and quiet, sailing at about a steady 7 knots. We made our way to Owhanake Bay at Waiheke Island.



We anchored up and Jef was able to relax. As the skipper, Jef feels the weight of responsibility rest solely on his shoulders.





Kien is really good on board. He knows that if we start moving the boat he either has to have his lifejacket on or stay inside. He has always chosen to stay in the cabin, and when we have anchored up he comes out to play.





I am so glad he loves it as much as Jef and I do.





Jef decided to pump up the dingy and go for a paddle around the bay.



I love seeing international vessels in our waters. I wonder where these people have come from, how far they have travelled, what adventures they have had?



We sat on deck and watched as the light slowly faded from the sky. It was our first night on our boat.

Looking out to Motutapu Island.



In the morning Jef cooked a yummy breakfast - cheese Krasky.



Of course I had to go for a swim, I mean, come on - we are anchored in a beautiful bay, nice deep water all around, the sun is smiling in sky, so what's a girl to do?





After I got out and showered we boiled some water and checked Kien into the tub. Boy he loved it!



It was mid afternoon by the time we pulled the anchor up and headed back to Half Moon Bay. The wind had picked up substantially, and since I am a complete novice sailor there was no way we were going to risk it and sail back. So we motored in, past Browns Island, through the channel and back to the marina.



Jef's going to have to do a little bit of work on the engine. It was pumping some brown smoke out the back, and when we got back into our berth and lifted out the stairs to check the engine it was covered in soot. Luckily my man is handy, and positive, and hopefully he will have this sorted fairly quickly.

I'm looking forward to our next away trip, although we are not sure when this will eventuate. I'm hoping soon!

On the farm - in motion

There were some classic moments at the family farm on new years day, and what better way to preserve those memories than through a movie.

This movie makes me smile.

Here is a link to the HD version: On the farm at Te Kopuru Jan 2013 by Lien on Vimeo.

All is quiet on new years day

...except for giddy children, cows mooing, chickens clucking, and fun filled laughter and merriment at the family farm on Cole Rd.



We had a fabulous lunch under the canopy.

It was a spectacularly sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky, perfect for dancing on the hay bales.



It was so much fun being up there! You don't know until you do it.






How do I even begin to explain how much Kien loved being on the farm? He loved all the toys here and amused himself with them for ages.







He discovered blackberries, and he loved them.



Doing the farm thing...







...and there was a mexican standoff...



...and a whole lot of laughter.


Jef with his cousin, Douglas. Long time no see.

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We drove up to the Kaipara Harbour on the last day of the old year. We stayed in a little cabin in Paparoa.



We went to Pahi beach to hunt crabs watch the sun set for the last time in 2012.









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Driving into Auckland yesterday there was a beautiful sunset casting a glorious glow over the city. It was a fabulous welcome home. Happy new year!