Xmas 2011

Beer tasting at Hallertau brew bar
Wine tasting at Coopers Creek...mmmm 'Guido in velvet pants'

Cerosene Creek a natural hot water stream and waterfall
walking through the geothermal steam at Wai-o-tapu
Richard, Louise and Michael in the Polynesian Spa
At the Themral village with Louise and some very fabulous mud pools

Dicky & Louise at the Geyser in Rotorua
Daisy with her Xmas day bone
Xmas day brunch at the beach
early morning waves at Milford
Nick and Mike...crackers!

Holiday in the Hokianga

We just spent four days in Northland, staying in this amazing house overlooking Hokianga Harbour. Our friends Ange, Bruce and their son Joe joined us for two nights. Their dog Bear and our Daisy had a whale of a time exploring the huge grounds and the surrounding beaches.

The weather was gorgeous, it was peaceful, the company was good...a fabulous way to celebrate my birthday.

Joe and Mike contemplating the universe...


Daisy loved swimming out for sticks then shaking off the water when she was at the beach...

the local transport...
Omapere beach...all to ourselves
the lawn at the holiday house...
big boulders on our beach...
These were our furry neighbours....

Winnie - number one foster dog

Winnie arrived today, we are fostering her for just a week or so to help the Chained Dog org who we adopted Daisy from.

Winnie was very nervous when she arrived but has now settled in as she has had lots of cuddles from me and Mike and lots of fun doggy play time with Daisy (once the initial growling sussing whose boss dog played itself out).

She is a staffy x, only about 9 months old so a bundle of very strong energy.

So loving though, she is sprawled all over Mikes lap as I type!

three tourists in our own city

Today we went to see the new waterfront development called the 'Wynyard Quarter' in Auckland, we took the ferry (Daisy's first sailing experience) from Devonport into the city then wandered over the new Te Wero bridge into the new development, lots of quirky features, new cafes, open spaces, kiddies playground and paddling pool etc....very nice so far.

Joanne's trip to Europe

Birthday girl Anna gets the most amazing surprise of her life, Tilly the 10 week old Dalmation puppy!Eleanor, Poppy & Harry...summertime in the garden with the Yummy Mummys!

My very own Alpines Guides, Max and Neil....such a lovely week with my two boys.

Playing in the 'Parc du Paradise', riding up in the cable car, swimming with Dad, riding a Vespa and hanging out with my favourite Auntie....all in a weeks work for Max!

St Mary's lighthouse at Whitley Bay with my lovely auntie Hilary and Uncle David...in the hot summer sun!