Holi-days

My wee little tree

This xmas was already our fourth one spent away from home. Where does the time go? I am never sad to be missing snow and cold and so a white xmas is lost on me. Since it is summer (yay) we started out our day with a fabulous hike up Mount Maunganui, followed by a turkey feast with Mark's sister Brenda, who was visiting from Malaysia, and our friends Tom and Ellen from SV Rasa Manis. Brenda arrived on the 22nd of December and we spent a little time in Auckland before bringing her home to Scholarship. Mark and Brenda enjoying Happy Hour in Auckland Making cookies!
Brenda and Ellen relaxing on deck on Christmas Day Enjoying our feast
Not sure why they painted these poor sheep pink, perhaps it was for the holidays. At least they didn't dye them red!

Bridal Veil Falls

Just a few miles east of the little surf town of Raglan is Bridal Veil Falls. We were delighted to find this oasis among the cows as we took the long way home from Auckland.

A Room With a View

The last few days of my Mom's visit we spent in Auckland seeing the sights and enjoying more great weather. Mark managed to find a Mexican restaurant in Auckland

Mom and I enjoying sunset on our cool balcony High Tea at the Langham

All kinds of fabulous treat to be sampled

Waiheke Island

Only a half hour ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke is one of the most visited islands in the Hauraki Gulf. About 8,000 lucky ducks live here among the gorgeous beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Waiheke has a micro climate which is similar to the Bordeaux region of France. There are twenty-four vineyards on the island, most open for sampling. We rented a fabulous holiday home with an amazing view. On November 19th it was Mark's B-day so we spent the day exploring the island and sampling all the goodies Waiheke has to offer. Our Waiheke holiday home Mark & Mom busy in the kitchen The gorgeous view and backyard We found some alpacas, I love alpacas Mudbrick WineryMark's Mudbrick "mud" cakeThe birthday boy getting ready to make a wish

Someone has a sense of humour

The crusty woman spreading mad sheep disease at the Stony Batter (WWII tunnels)We decided not to explore the tunnels, the woman said "they are some dark tunnels with some old machinery inside" She wasn't much of a sales woman.

It was a lovely walk though

Fully!

My Mom is an intrepid traveller. In the three years we have been cruising, this is her fourth visit! She came to see us in Mexico, Panama, French Polynesia and this last trip she travelled over 7000 miles to New Zealand. She spent nine days with us and we kept her pretty busy. A few days at home in Tauranga showing her our little town and daily life. Then for a week we hit the road. Mark played photographer with his new camera. New Zealand even cooperated with great summer weather! Thanks for everything MLM! Can't wait to see you in another exotic locale.

Enjoying lunch and a tasting at the local Mills Reef winery

A night out at Tauranga's French restaurant. Lots of singing and giggles that night. Behind the scenes at Morton Estate

Another New Head

The latest project on Scholarship has been the forward head. I pulled off the 30 years old wallpaper, sanded, primed and painted. The most time consuming part was the tile mosaic on the countertop. I think it turned out well for my first effort. Yes the green is very bright!!
A nice wave to honor our watery lifestyle!

Yes the sink is original. What gave it away?