The boys and I, along with Granny and Granddad and the cousins, visited the local petting zoo the other day. The kids all had a great time checking everything out. The place was a lot more relaxed than petting zoos in Canada. Along with the standard goats, ponies, rabbits and sheep you could hand feed (if you’re brave enough) ostriches, emus and Texas Long Horn bulls. The kids loved the possum. Possums here are an invasive species and do quite a bit of damage to the native plants. They are frequently sighted as roadkill. Our tally is sixteen so far. I’ve been told that rather than avoid them on the road, most people aim for them. Still they are quite cute. We’ve heard one in the trees outside of our apartment at night. They make a really ugly shrieking hissing sound.
Today I took James, Sam and their cousin Rupert on the Whitianga harbour passenger ferry. We hiked up Whitianga Rock, the site of an old Maori pa (fortification). There were beautiful views of the town and surrounding area.
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| James hasn't grown that much - they are standing on a sloped rock |
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| Sam & Rupert |
We’ve been having fantastic weather. There’s a bit of rain in the forecast. If we get a good day later this week we might go check out Hot Water Beach – a beach that has a hot spring bubbling up in one spot. When you time it right with the tide you can dig a little hot pool for yourself in the sand.
Heather – I think you got all the right answers for James’ quiz, although I think when he did it he just eyeballed it on the map that the South Island is bigger. I agree.
- Stewart
Hi Stewart, it's great to keep getting pics of everyone - Sam and Rupert certainly look like cousins - like the closeup of James - he's changed a lot since last year. Your weather sounds so nice - Norm was out once again with the snowblower yesterday. It's minus 10 this morning, but sunny.
ReplyDeletelove,
Auntie Joan
Hey All! Lilly here!
ReplyDeleteThat possum looks fun to chase!!! I almost caught some local ducks on our walk today, but that girl, Jenny, held onto to the leash too tight... We went on a bit of a run - walk today. It has been snowing here but everything is melted now so there are some great smells all over the place! So we had to stop and check them out... but I think Jenny was OK with that cause she was a bit out of breath from trying to keep up to me. We ran into town and I was such a good girl waiting outside the stores that she had to go in, but as we were coming home, I realized it had been a while since I was home and you guys might have come home while I was away... so I pulled all the way home and went straight to the door, but you guys are still away... I was a bit sad so I sat outside of James and Sam's rooms missing all of you.
Don't worry though... I am having fun even without you guys... Yesterday I took the ferry over to Seymour and there were lots and lots of big kids playing in the snow!! They were doing dog sled races, and throwing balls - which made me super excited!!! And they made some really good chilli... I helped out my cleaning off the ladle at the end of the day! It was so much fun - I made so many new friends playing in the snow!
James, those big ferns you were talking about, I'd really like to go for a walk with you on one of your adventures. They look great!!
And Sam, I'd really like to chase you along the beach.
Mom and Dad, I've not been really good about keeping my new years resolution, but I"m working on it...
I miss you all!
Lilly
It has been wonderful to hear all the news from New Zealand and you all seem to be keeping very busy.
ReplyDeleteUncle Terry and I have been busy too. We finished packing up and moving out of the cabin last Tuesday. It was a lot of work and a little bitter sweet, but we are confident we have made the right choice at the right time.
Now we are busy arranging for our kitchen renovation project. We have chosen our contractor (a recommendation from cousin John) and we have spent time selecting tiles, cabinets, appliances, etc.. Of course nothing will get started until after our African adventure but we will be ready to proceed pretty quickly after our return in March.
Meanwhile, the prediction of a harsh winter seems to have fizzled on the West Coast and while winter storms are devastating various locations about the globe we seem to be moving into warmer spring weather. The bluebells and tulips are peaking out of the soil and, for the first time in weeks, I didn't need gloves on my walk to the beach this afternoon.
Keep sending those great photos of adventures down under.
Love,
Auntie Janie.