Omaha, New Zealand

Gosh, time sure flies when you're having fun!

We've had our UK Chic's mum visiting from New Zealand (her family were originally from Cornwall, but she grew up a 'London girl') and we made the most of every moment.

All of which make up my excuse for not sitting at the computer...

Right... Omaha, New Zealand - as promised previously.

The thing that strikes us (always) about New Zealand is the quality of the light. It's almost impossible to describe, photos do it far better. So, here are a few photos taken from the upstairs window of the holiday house (or bach, as the Kiwi's say) we stayed in with Arabella and her chicco.

The view from our bedroom...

They obviously have a very strict building code in this area...  look at the roof pitch of the houses...

The houses across the road front onto the beach...

I do know that Arabella hasn't had much access to the internet for the past few days.  I'm sure she'll have lots to post once she's back online again.

April Blackbird

An Attitude of Gratitude - # 3 (yup, I forgot about 3 and went straight on to 4)

I have no idea how it came about that I totally skipped # 3.  No excuses, just a fact. Moving on.

Today I'm going to express my gratitude for the heavy rain that's been falling in Sydney since early last night.  It bucketed down all night and all I could think of was New Mum's newly laid lawn!  Yayyy!  The rain will do a better job of 'wetting it in' than any amount of watering could ever do. Couldn't have asked for better. Let's hope the creek doesn't flood at No. 8 though!  The fence has only just been repaired.

I haven't always been so grateful for the rain that's fallen around me!  Truth be told, there was a time when we lived in New Zealand that I honestly wondered whether I would begin to grow webs between my toes.  The first six months that we lived in Auckland were the wettest on record.  Which reminds me of this poem which we found in an information centre in Westland National Park in NZ:

The Rain
It rained and rained and rained
The average fall was well maintained
And when the tracks were simple bogs,
it started raining cats & dogs

After a drought of half an hour
We had a most refreshing shower,
And then most curious thing of all,
A gently rain began to fall!

Next day but one was fairly dry
Save for one deluge from the sky
Which wetted the party to the skin
And then, at last, the rain set in. 

Right, so now we all know that it can rain A LOT in New Zealand. We also know that when it doesn't rain A LOT, they dry out all too quickly.  The countryside was brown when we were there last.  Apparently, it got a whole lot worse... let's hope they're getting some rain again.  

Anyone able to say whether they are?

April Blackbird 

Sidekick Creative

Hey, you have to excuse me but I'm really tickled pink at some good news we've received just lately and I have to share!

One of our Kiwi brood (Kevin Lynch of SideKick Creative in this instance) has had major input into the upcoming Manchester United celebrations. Kevin has created a massive mural on the outside of the east stand of Old Trafford - "The Theatre of Dreams". 

I'm not going to reinvent the wheel as his achievement has had significant coverage on radio and in the newspaper. Switch on your speakers and have a listen to his interview.  You'll see some good pictures on the newspaper link. It's definitely worth taking the time to click on these links.

What an amazing coup for New Zealand, so far away from Manchester. 

Kevin has just started up SideKick Creative in Auckland, New Zealand and we'd like to wish him every success.  He's an amazingly talented graphic designer with a huge interest in sport (as you'll see from his home page). 

Please feel free to email this article on to your fellow Kiwi's.  We think they'll be chuffed to see a fellow NZ's work greeting the hundreds of thousands of fans that will be walking through those gates.

April Blackbird

Photos of New Zealand, as promised to Arabella Chickie

Well Arabella Chickie, I'm finally going to post those promised photos for you.  Some were taken by us, some by our UK Chickie in London (who might just be pursuaded to upload a few more of her stunning photos from the Coromandel if we ask nicely).

Lots more 'family photos to be posted on Facebook asap. Promise.

Mission Bay - New Year's Eve 2009

 

Takapuna Beach - Boxing Day 2009

Takapuna Beach - Boxing Day 2009

Compliments of grandad chickie

 

On the way down to Castor Bay beach

Early evening at Castor Bay beach

Do you recognise the view? Should do...

On a clear evening you can see forever...

A spectacular view from 'up top' - Whangarei Heads 

Up and out over your neighbour's house below!

Not long and you'll be able to take some truly stunning photos yourselves.  

April Blackbird