KTandCoffee

Chasing the Sun

2012-01-29T23:25:00.001+13:00

As a transition from one job to the next or a homage to night shifts which are now gone or maybe just because we can; we took a trip. An overnight adventure in the van. Sunset in the west, Muriwai beach in its windswept and sparkling finery then a drive through the night to catch the rising sun in the east. Hahei beach in its perfect glory with a swim as the sun rose. It was, as always, a wonderful adventure.

Make a cuppa, put your feet up, put groovy tunes on and watch the slide show

CCU concluded.....

2012-01-23T09:41:00.000+13:00

Well after almost four years (yep, March 2008), of working in CCU at Auckland City Hospital, the time has come to move on. I'm not going far - across the corridor to the cardiology ward, a new job, new role and new challenge, now I do like those.

I started in CCU with a bang - that first shift made me feel so much at home and it's been a great ride since then. I finished on a rather lovely and sedate night shift but I have made my presence felt for all the days in-between! Thank you to those who made my last night special.

The last shift

The fantastic hat - which is a marvel in folding up - was a present from Priscilla, thank you x

I scoured all the photos of CCU events I had uploaded to flickr - well it's weddings, Christmas days, food and parties. Enjoy the slideshow.

Book Montage!

2012-01-09T10:51:00.000+13:00

KT's 2011 book montage

}

Highlights of 2011

2012-01-07T19:10:00.001+13:00

Highlights of 2011, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

We had visitors. We walked and WOMADed. There were a lot of beaches. We gained a cat. I turned 40 in such style and wondrousness. We had a fabulous Christmas day with great mates. Thank you 2011, bring on 2012

Obstacles

2012-01-03T22:20:00.001+13:00

Well that may be the last public holiday I work for a while. Life is about to change and like the tree I clambered over with such style and grace on New Years Day, it's all about the attitude you face it with. Me, I'm excited.

Speachless, singing and crying

2012-01-02T08:50:00.001+13:00

Our movie list for 2011 (see below) wasn't looking as good as we wanted so we thought we'd end the year with a movie fest. Hell we were on holiday and the weather was decidedly non summer like.

So it was three days, three movies, three different cinemas. A more eclectic mix of films and cinemas I dare you to find.

First up The Whistleblower at Devonports Victoria palace. Like walking into a mates room - albeit a large room set up as a cinema with a wine bar downstairs. I loved that the guy comes and talks to you all, chats about the trailers and clearly has a passion for movies. The Whistleblower did leave us speachless, stunned and a wee bit depressed. One of those good films that you're pleased was made but leaves you aching at the horror of how we treat each other.

Singing after the muppets was clearly a jolly way to spend the afternoon. Did all the kids cinema enjoy it as much as us, I do hope do, plus I know how a whole new song to sing when walking up a tough New Zealand hill. This time it was large multiplex Hoyts that kept us entertained. They do have very comfy seats.

Last up on our movie hat trick was red dog at the Lido. (an interesting (aside) site I found while looking for pictures) Rainy morning and a popular thing to do. We'd heard good things about this film
and we weren't disappointed but me, who can cry at pretty much anything was really streaming tears. I'd thoroughly recommend it.

So now for that 2011 movie list

Wild Target - watched at Berkely on Misson Bay with Adams parents
Unknown - Premiere at Hoyts again with Adams parents
True Grit - watched at The Capital
Get Low - Lido for this one
Thor - Back to Hoyts
Pirates of the Caribbean - Premier seats again
The Conspirator - back to the Lido
Transformers - Misson Bay for this one
Bridesmaids - and again
Harry Potter - Premier lounge at Hoyts
Cowboys and Aliens - into the city and gold class at Event
Hanna - The Lido
The Three Musketeers - Darwin Event
The Help - at the Lido
Contagion - Back at Hoyts
Puss in Boots - Misson Bay
The Whistleblower - Victoria Place at Devonport
The Muppets - Hoyts
Red Dog - The Lido

2010 movie list here.

How could I forget Kevin

2011-12-28T22:55:00.001+13:00

The tree I brought in a pot three years ago has been in a sad state for while but I think he may be making a comeback. I do hope so

Christmas Time

2011-12-28T20:25:00.000+13:00

Clearly I need a project like 'The August break' to keep me blogging. What can I say. So nearing the end of the year and blimey it seems to be gathering pace at this point. Maybe more later on that.
After years of shift work and never really minding that we worked Christmas and/or New Year, we appear to be off...no work....at all...indeed.

Started Christmas Day with breakfast in the garden.

Christmas day had a sunny start, so breakfast in the garden, then a pop into work to deliver baked mincemeat goodies, then off for lunch. We had a great Christmas day lunch with friends, with all the right ingredients; food, bubbles, silly games, kids, food, chat, all rather good I must say. We had loads of cards and presents and are very grateful to those posting stuff to us. I need to apologise as I was rather late this year and with a resolution to be better in 2012 I say thank you.

A snapshot of the cards

More photos to follow, as Adam took some great shots of the crowd at lunch and I haven't even got started on the decorations at work.

Smiling and thinking of you

2011-11-14T17:38:00.000+13:00

Each time I get into the garden I have fond memories of my nan and granddad warm me. They had a great garden and maybe my pure luck in growing stuff is down to genetics - or it maybe the volcanic soil I have the privilege of gardening in, but either way it makes me happy. I wish I could spend more time in the garden and mainly it's neglected and left to fend for itself.
Gardening has made me much more aware of the seasons, this warmer weather and spurred on new growth for sure, but patience and wonder seem to be the common themes in my mind, we are getting through veg I planted for winter, however the broad beans are looking just about ready. I seemed to have failed at winter carrots, I remain determined and more seeds are in.

Broad Bean seedlings go in back in August.

Now look at them.

Red cauliflower and red cabbage seedlings.
Rather proud of these as grown from seed

The sheep pellets are an attempt to deter the cats

More cauliflower in this bed, along with some onions (protected by the bottles)

Time to pick

This is so impressive, all from seed. Genetics or soil, or maybe both

These look so fab, and so organised, I don't normally manage to plant in rows.
I seem to have almost mastered the 'give the plants enough room' trick

Planted back in August lettuce and radish, now a mental concoction of salad stuff.

As the strawberries didn't do brilliantly in the baskets I thought I'd go flowers this year

Another basket, but this has no plan, I just chucked in random seeds loose at the bottom of my seed box!

Herb patch in an odd spot of the garden is going well. The borage is actually growing though a crack in the driveway. There is also a jasmine plant in there which has flowered for the first time and smells so wonderful.

The front patch of flowers has burst into summer madness, rather pleased about the foxgloves

Love them

The latest seedlings in. Sunflowers.
Will wait a little before I plant them out and hopefully the wind will ease up a bit

Sculpture in the Gardens

2011-11-08T12:40:00.000+13:00

A brief interlude to the always wonderful Auckland Botanic Gardens, the sculpture trail is on till February 12th. Do seem to be loving the iPhone and the photo apps that make my pics a little bit tastier.

Part of the 'Garden Elementals' a collaboration of 14 artists

Exotic Blooms by Bev Goodwin

Splayed by Regan Gentry
101 glavnised shovels!

'Big Man' by Lucy Bucknall

Daisy Blanket by Mia Hamilton

Detail of 'Gateway' by Chris Moore

'When gorse ceases flowering' by Jeff Thomson

No, not sculpture, rather groovy in the kids garden

Now just loving the path in the herb garden

Hurrah I'm 40 at last

2011-10-28T17:42:00.002+13:00

Will have trouble putting into words the totally amazing, wonderful and truly fantastic time I had turning 40. This photo will have to do for starters.

Kings Canyon walk, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

A belated number 9

2011-10-07T15:31:00.000+13:00

Oh dear, put this one on the list of '39 Things'. But heh ho, all done. Have new glasses, will be able to see those numbers at work and page the right doctor! Turns out my eyesight hasn't got a lot worse - based on the prescription sunglasses I still had - now there's an idea I should have just worn to those to work. Anyway digressing in my mind and my typing. I have new glasses, my eyesight still isn't too bad. Apparently my eyes (the technical bit of them anyway) are different shapes - one is rugby ball shaped and one is soccer ball shaped and this is why I can't judge distance or park a car - hurrah and reason and now I'll just celebrate this and enjoy my bad parking. Choosing the glasses was very interesting, alone in a shop without the ability to decide or any confidence in what might actually look good on me. To the rescue - a box with the three I had narrowed it down to take away. So the next few days at work I gathered various opinions, over my choices, face shape, colour, some opinions bordering on personality descriptions, all in all, it helped, and I would't have chosen the winning pair, but I'm very happy.
So a week to go till the birthday I better take another look at those lists (things and things) and maybe just carry them over.

These boots

2011-09-20T19:47:00.001+12:00

These boots, originally uploaded by Adam Drake Foto.

Boots make me think of friends, crazy but true and one of those conversations to have over wine or coffee I guess. Plus some of these friends have been reminding me lately how important each and every day is. To cherish, to smile and to love.

Roxburgh Rhubarb Cake

2011-09-19T07:56:00.001+12:00

A new cookbook (yes, I know) means another rhubarb recipe. My prolific rhubarb needs regular eating and inventive ways to be used. This cake I have to say, is one of the best so far. Oh the cookbook is amazing, certainly not for a vegetarian, but it is rather great.

August Break 2011

2011-09-11T09:14:00.001+12:00

August Break 2011, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

August has come and gone but I really enjoyed the August Break project I stumbled upon. This mosaic celebrates those taking part in the project. It is put together with a sad heart following some tragic news, my thoughts and love with those I cherish and miss.

Number 28

2011-09-08T19:31:00.000+12:00

Well, more vague numerical titles for my blog. Well the August Break project certainly resparked my interest in my blog if no-one else's! A thought occurred, what about those 40 things. My 40th birthday is looming fast so here on the eve on the Rugby World Cup I can acknowledge that number 28 is a certainty. When I wrote my list back in October, I added number 28 with scorn and a smirk, oh no, for sure. RWC fever is contagious and fantastic. Auckland is alive with anticipation, seriously, everyone is talking about it. I'm actually sorry I don't have tickets and may still try and get one and at the very least will be watching the All Blacks vs France game in a lively pub like setting.

My RWC whiteboard

I have (of course), taken charge of the ward decorations - as a colleague put it - "you do like a project." The flags positioning was a two (wo)man effort and was met with great praise, then I managed to find some bunting to finish the task. My proudest moment however is the 'RWC whiteboard', I love the logistics, I love the planning. I am a crazy control freak. The latest achievement has been the lucky dip sweepstake - I am a bookmakers daughter. Again, a proud moment of planning, actually some maths and spelling involved, but I had help on that front (thank you Vicky, Lynne, Jo and Pauline). I can name all 20 teams involved and probably draw their flags to be honest!

The defining moment came, when, at Jo's insistence I took the first draw in the lucky dip sweepstake, I pulled out.........New Zealand, how bloody cool.

Thirty-First

2011-08-31T21:29:00.000+12:00

Loosing internet connection at home kind of put a stop to the August Break for a while for me. I carried on with the photos though, so have a selection from the last 6 days to end the month.

26th, at home, after work

27th, walk in the park before the night shift

29th, at the zoo with Poppy

29th, Adam enjoying his day at the zoo as much as Poppy

29th, another food stop. We snacked our way around the zoo!

29th, Poppy at the zoo

29th, Auckland Zoo

29th, at the zoo.

29th, in the meerkat tunnels

29th, at the zoo

31st, at work. I walk to level 9 from level 3, just beacuse

Twenty-fifth

2011-08-25T21:21:00.002+12:00

Twenty-fifth, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

I so wanted to get a photo of Adele and her cake, but I thrust it into her hand, we sang and then I carried on with the ward round. When I returned to the office this was all that was left. I had however been saved a piece just for me.

Twenty-forth

2011-08-24T20:03:00.000+12:00

Those jobs I ignored here, did get done to some extent, but the best bit of the day was making a cake for tomorrows morning tea, a belated birthday cake for the lovely Adele. Thank you Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook.

Sugar, butter and poppyseeds in the mixer. Flour, baking powder and salt in the bowl

Milk mixing in with sugar and butter mixture. Eggs being separated

Full on action, egg whites being mixed

Egg whites being folded into cake mixture

Coming together

And into the tin

Glaze on the pan

A few more minutes

Glazed cake cooling

Cooling and waiting for icing.........until tomorrow then

Twenty-third

2011-08-23T21:36:00.001+12:00

Twenty-third, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

Having trouble walking after yesterdays activity, so finished work today and headed straight for a slap up meal at the Herne Bay Local. I think the plate speaks for itself.

Twenty-second

2011-08-22T21:51:00.000+12:00

There is a pile of washing, a fair amount of housework and even more garden jobs to be done, so what do we do, we head out of Auckland, nip to the Coromandel and walk up the Pinnacles. Oh boy, it was tough. Tougher than I thought, with some rather scary, well out of my comfort zone bits thrown in. But we had the track to ourselves, stunning winter weather and those amazing views. Number 18 maybe, and while it was hard work and scary at times, each step I took and particularly those I struggled with, I appreciated the ability to be there, do it, to be alive and well.

While I get rather scared on a swing bridge, Adam loves them

I look up to distract myself from the constant never-ending uphill

I keep looking and can't seem to work out how I can possibly climb to the top

The climbing is getting exciting now

Looking down

At the summit

On the way down

Twenty-first

2011-08-21T20:44:00.001+12:00

Twenty-first, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

Twentieth

2011-08-20T20:43:00.001+12:00

Twentieth, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

Works roster.

Nineteenth

2011-08-19T19:28:00.001+12:00

Poppy mesmerised by the stingray encounter at Kelly Tarltons

Thanks to an earlier visit and the employment of my nursing skills I had free tickets to Kelly Tarltons, so my dear friend Rachel and her two kids and I head off for a few hours of watching the fish and the penguins. Oh the penguins are so cute.

Eighteenth

2011-08-18T21:02:00.001+12:00

Eighteenth, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

On the way to work this morning. Slowed slightly by the frost on the windscreen. A rare occurrence in Auckland. Good to see a lighter sky at this time in the morning though.

Seventeenth

2011-08-17T20:24:00.000+12:00

The sun returned today, we walked in the Waitakere Ranges. I do feel so privileged to live so close to such an amazing area. We took an easy walk that we'd done before, the Upper Nihotupu Dam walk. A 5km easy track but you get a good work out is to be had from climbing the steps up the dam.

At the visitors centre

Bottom of the dam

Sixteenth

2011-08-16T21:07:00.000+12:00

Despite the threat of more snow in Auckland (!), we layered up and took a walk in Duder Regional Park. We encountered the expected rain and an amazing amount of mud. The lambs however took most of our attention and the walk turned into a 'get a good picture of a lamb' competition between Adam and me. A brief stop for a warm tea and yesterdays jam drops kept us going.

OK, at the end of the walk

Time for tea

And Jam Drop

We took the other gate, so this little one could stay tucked up

My trusty, if a little dirty macpac

Fifteenth

2011-08-15T18:20:00.002+12:00

Fifteenth, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

When I moved to New Zealand, my mum gave me this lovely jar - with 'a year of wishes for my daughter'. Three years on, I'm still not through all the wishes. Like a mothers love, just goes on and on. Thanks mum x

Fourteenth

2011-08-14T20:04:00.001+12:00

Fourteenth, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

In the rain and wind I tackled a long neglected part of the garden. I have the scars and aches to prove that the weed I'm trying to clear is a far more powerful being than I! However, in the midst of the chaos, was this sign of spring.

Thirteenth

2011-08-13T23:24:00.001+12:00

Thirteenth, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

The windows of my working world. Below the street. We look up to see the feet on the pavement.

Twelfth

2011-08-12T21:43:00.001+12:00

Twelfth, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

I was fearing a bad day. I had work socks to remind me of a happy place. Did the trick.

Eleventh

2011-08-11T21:48:00.001+12:00

Eleventh, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

On the way to work.

Tenth

2011-08-10T19:34:00.002+12:00

An afternoon of joy at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Snap happy with the iPhone.

Ninth

2011-08-09T15:35:00.000+12:00

Sunshine on the winter veg in the garden
Will be picked today and eaten later with fish pie

Eighth

2011-08-08T20:11:00.001+12:00

Eighth, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

Seventh

2011-08-07T22:11:00.005+12:00

, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

I awake from a good sleep after a night shift. The wind is howling, but there are sun spatters in the garden. I breathe in the air before another shift through the night.

The tree and the muffins

2011-08-07T03:16:00.002+12:00

The tree and the muffins, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

When I first started this gardening exploration it did take me by surprise that winter was a time for citrus fruits. Makes sense really I guess.I am still in mourning for my two lemon trees that I managed to kill off last year, but, all is not lost because my lovely neighbour says 'helps yourselves to the oranges - we don't use them'. Well that called for a double batch of orange and poppy seed muffins. Made with half wholemeal flour they are substantial yet the glaze topping with strands of orange zest (isn't that a great word) makes them a treat. What was fantastic was picking the oranges (never as easy as you'd think) and then taking them to the kitchen a few steps away, then zesting and juicing them. Oh my, the smell in that kitchen was therapy itself. A warm plateful went to the neighbour and clearly Adam and I will be eating the rest. While looking for tasty things to do with the rest of the oranges.

Winter Sunset

2011-07-26T09:07:00.000+12:00

Feeling frustrated, even on my days off, not good. We head west, for a beach sunset. How great to be close to a place where you know you'll be treated to a great sunset and a lift for the soul. I think of friends and send a special message to Diane through the mystical sky

We don't make it in the van, so no dinner cooked while watching and listening to the sea, which was plan A, but heh.

My days seems to be going a bit like that. Am I trying to do to much in one day or are the days really moving faster?

We walk and breath and stretch and enjoy the space, sea, sky and sun. We feel better and then head home for a rather delicious dinner. Life is good, though confusing, frustrating and soul searching at the moment.

Adam took some damn cool shots, see them here, Flickr, but I rather liked this one.

Autumn Escape

2011-07-02T23:19:00.000+12:00

A little late, but a great couple of days away............

I'd love to work out how to get the music to the slide show, but in the meantime, please, use this link to hear the wonderful Anna Coddington, who, along with Julia Deans played at the Sawmill Cafe on the Friday night.

Testing Times

2011-06-12T23:43:00.002+12:00

It appears we are in June and after reaching my 100th post on this blog I seem to have slowed to snail speed. So the beloved iPhone may have to help. Testing a blogging app, not really sure if this will actually help, but it does mean I can lie in bed and blog! Now how to upload a photo.......

After the night shift

2011-05-15T20:21:00.000+12:00

It was a most pleasant night shift, but you have to get the days activity level just right to aid recovery and your return to work on a day shift in two days. So you grab a couple of hours sleep, aided by a lovely cup of tea while snuggled in bed. Then while the rain, wind and sun battle it out for the headline act, you get in the car and go west.
We drive to the Kumeu wine region. New Zealand wine is lovely, just lovely, and what is just as lovely is visiting wineries, sampling wines, chatting with the owners and then buying a bottle or two. Maybe stop for lunch or a picnic. Today was a late start though as those few hours kip are really important.

We started at Kerr Farm Vineyard. This is great, you sit round the table, and Jaison guides you through the selection of wines, he knows when the grapes were harvested, actually he knows a lot, and while we know very little it's all good. Plus the great stories of how some of the wines got their names. We left (having forgotten to use the discount voucher - duh - that's what happens after a night shift), with two bottles of the rather delicious 2007 Pinotage, which the tasting notes describe as a voluptuous wine, to be enjoyed with the best of friends on the verandah for a cruisy afternoon. So come on round, we've got the wine in! Tragically it goes well with chocolate! Oh we also took a bottle of the limited release 2007 Chardonnay and their new venture - 2010 'Bella Rosa' Rose

Next stop was West Brook Winery. Last time we visited this winery, it was summer, there was a band playing and people picnicking in the grounds, lapping up the great view along with the wine. Today, in warm clothes and admiring the autumn colours it's still a great spot. I have to say I wasn't as sold on the wines as I had been in previous visits, until that is, the last wine we try, brought big smiles to both our faces. A 2009 Malbec, rather tasty indeed. I did however get a Rose as well just for good measure and I remembered to use the discount voucher.

Entrance to West Brook Winery

Last stop was Soljans, first planted around 1932, this is one the older wineries in this region. Popular place for lunch - the car park was packed when we drove past on the way to the other wineries, we arrive as the cafe is shutting, so just the wine for us then! Another relaxed and easy tasting, happily getting wines from the cafe that we choose. Out taste for the reserve wines stands out and it's the 2009 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for us. Adam was rather taken by the Malbec here as well, but it was a wee bit more expensive and he couldn't be tempted.

We head back after a great afternoon in some lovely countryside, with a car load of wine, stopping to pick up fresh bread and cheese for a feast of loveliness when we get home, then relax, it's all part of the night shift recovery.

The results of our afternoons efforts

Feijoa Cake

2011-04-16T23:50:00.000+12:00

As the northern hemisphere heads into spring (where Easter makes sense), tis Autumn here in the land of the long white cloud and the rather glorious feijoa season. I say glorious, I don't just eat these fruit - which Wikepedia describes as a 'gelatinous seed pulp' with a 'distinctive aroma' but bake cake. Of course muffins can also be on the menu but this year I had a bit of muffin disaster so I'm sticking with the fantastic apple and feijoa cake recipe I found here. There are of course a whole host of things I could do with the fruit and as my neighbour has a tree I have a ready supply. Actually most people have a ready supply either their own tree or a friend, and you see bags to just help yourself too on the sides of roads, or the ingenious child selling them......tis an abundant fruit and a great time of year.

I've been slacking for sure in my photos of my baking, I still do, lots. The same can be said for the garden, had a bit of a clear out today in the rain (and my new wellies), but have been remiss in not taking pics of all the great flowers that have been blooming. I'm blaming my hosting duties. The garden has certainly missed out as I've played host and my days off are spent in tours and trips. These visits have made me realise what a great life I have and how much I love New Zealand. Though I do need to brush up on my tour guide skills - I am getting better so Jane, Ken, Rowan and March have had the full fruits of my knowledge and my feijoa cake!

Yep. Will put a pic of the actual cake before tis all eaten!

I am here

2011-04-02T19:44:00.001+13:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

Hurrah for Autumn, my bestest season! Its been busy lately, time moving fast, summer has been good in many ways but I've been struggling to find the words to type. They are in my head (as are the voices) but I don't make it here often. I shy away. But I am here.

Tongariro Crossing

2011-02-05T23:10:00.001+13:00

Back in January blessed with clear sky and sunshine we took on the Tongariro Crossing as our welcome to 2011 adventure. Check out this blog for stunning pictures and artistic words of the same journey and check out my Flickr photos for a wee bit more information on the walk.

"Our earth is very old, an old warrior that has lived through many battles. Nevertheless, the face of it is still changing, and science sees no certain limit of time for its stately evolution. Our solid earth, apparently so stable, inert, and finished, is changing, mobile, and still evolving. Its major quakings are largely the echoes of that divine far-off event, the building of our noble mountains. The lava floods and intriguing volcanoes tell us of the plasticity, mobility, of the deep interior of the globe. The slow coming and going of ancient shallow seas on the continental plateaus tell us of the rhythmic distortion of the deep interior-deep-seated flow and changes of volume. Mountain chains prove the earth's solid crust itself to be mobile in high degree. And the secret of it all—the secret of the earthquake, the secret of the 'temple of fire,' the secret of the ocean basin, the secret of the highland—is in the heart of the earth, forever invisible to human eyes."

Reginal Aldworth Daly, 1926

The start of the walk is a gentle uphill towards the sun and over wonderful boardwalk

With great views of Mt Doom

Then it's up the devil staircase

It did seem to go on for quite a while and I was rather proud of my slow steady approach

A good rest spot at the top of the devils staircase

Still going up and I did start to waver a bit by this point

Another flat spot before the final climb

Oh my, I have to walk down that.....It was great sliding scree

But look at our view

I turned around and was amazed at what I had managed to walk down

As we descend the landscape gradually changes but the views remain wonderful

Then nearing the end you hit a cooling forest

The End
All waiting for the bus....
There were lots of crowds like this, really is not a walk of solitude

Number 100

2011-01-31T11:26:00.000+13:00

Wow, my 100th blog post. How much waffle? Well it seems kind of appropriate then, as I started this blog to chronicle my move to New Zealand and let people know what I've been up too, that todays post is for people coming to visit us this year. Yep, having been here for nearly three years we have our first visitors (did no-one think I was going to stay!). As usual though I'm late, the first visitors arrived a couple of days ago so these tips are wasted on them, but we'd have thousands of phone calls in the lead up and I think they're prepared!! It was wonderful meeting them at the airport and Adam is well chuffed to show his parents around.

I do have a friend and her family visiting later in the year so here you go, tip tips for travelling to New Zealand.

Firstly - sun protection. I thought I was OK in the sun, usually tanned well with no burning, how wrong was I over here. Sunburnt in the first couple of weeks, really not a good look and a wee bit sore - and I'd put some sun cream on! The second summer I got burnt on my back after getting into the snorkelling stuff and Adam had terrible sunburn this year. So what I'm saying is; the sun really is stronger here and you really need to be aware. I wear a SPF 30 on my face year round, and recently ran out so had to resort to my SPF 15 and boy did I know it, and it wasn't a full on sunny day. So good sun protection cream then plus a hat. I look stupid in a hat but I wear them a lot here and it really does the job. That and cool, long sleeved tops etc so that you can cover up if you need to. Then it's really just the sensible advice of keeping out of the sun at the hottest part of the day, drinking plenty of water etc. We have a sun shade tent we take to the beach for a bit of shade and a marquee type thingy in the garden to give some shade out there.

Drawing on my early experience of New Zealand my second point would be insects!! I had such a bad reaction to a mozzie bite I was on antibiotics, now I know not everyone is as juicy and tasty as me, but it's a warning. They bite, they itch, they swell and I won't even go into sandflies - they are well covered in all guide books to NZ!! So add an insect repellent to your list and a soother of your preference for when they get you (and if they don't bite you I will be very very jealous and maybe a little bitter).

Sticking with the nature theme, I think the weather deserves a mention. It's true, you really can have four seasons in one day. So be prepared. Rain is really wet, seriously the english think they do weather but the Kiwis have it covered I'm afraid. I did try planning activities around the weather forecast. Nah, forget it, just do it, but have a raincoat and warm top etc for any great change. Don't worry about getting wet. The place looks great even in the rain and wind. Then ten minutes later it will be baking hot, humid and sticky. There are seasons, and up here in Auckland we get a touch of frost in winter, but head a bit further south and you notice the change in temperatures, so the time of year makes a difference to the the temps but really it can be all over the place. I'm descending into waffle so I think I'm just trying to say bring a selection of clothes to cover all eventualities and if you're heading to the south island that means snow as well.

Am I selling the place, maybe not, but I haven't moved on yet have I so it must have something!

We're based in Auckland at the moment and while we've travelled around a great deal, there are certainly a great number of places to see and things to do in our immediate area, so here's a taster for your trip.....

Maritime Museum and do the harbour tour

Auckland Museum great for kids

Devonport gives a great view of the city, great beach and the tunnels to explore

Mission Bay for the atmosphere and ice cream

Sky Tower for afternoon tea, but the kids might want to go to

Auckland Zoo is a good day out

The Waitakere Ranges are a must

Auckland Regional Parks are all fab for walking, exploring and enjoying the outdoors

Mt Eden is a usual tourist visit and has wonderful places for coffee

Cornwall Park is our local and a fantastic place to visit

Goat Island isn't too far a drive and a great spot for snorkelling

Rainbows End is the theme park, but I haven't been yet

There is an Auckland Explorer Bus

Kelly Tarlton's is pretty cool

A drive north will take you to Sheep World

That's all for now folks!!

The last list (Cinema Trips 2010)

2011-01-16T19:18:00.001+13:00

Figuring that not all share my love of lists, I will do one more! We love the movies, we have a ridiculous amount of DVDs and we love a trip to the movies. Going to the cinema in New Zealand is actually a bit lovely. Lots of space, lots of choice, great big screens or little independent places, a glass of wine or a great coffee or if you fancy a whole meal served for you during the meal. I love it. So here are our cinema trips of last year. Not very high brow, clever or that sort of thing. But I love it anyway (I am very easy to please when it comes to movies).

Fantastic Mr Fox

Avatar

Charlie and Boots

Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Alice in Wonderland

Crazy Heart

Clash of the Titans

The Men who Stare at Goats

It's Complicated

Iron Man 2

The Hurt Locker

The Book of Eli

Robin Hood

The Blind Side

The A Team

The Prince of Persia

Shrek Ever After

Predators

Knight and Day

The Girl who Played with Fire

Salt

The Expendables

The Sorcerers Apprentice

Eat, Pray, Love

Red

The Ghost Writer

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The Girl who kicked the Hornets Nest

So there you go, and as of yet, we haven't been to the cinema once this year, better get a move on!

The year of Clive Cussler. (Books read 2010).

2011-01-12T09:23:00.000+13:00

So I promised lists and January is speeding along, so here is a list: books read 2010! I do like a list.

The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo

My list of 39 things included 'join a bookclub', well I formed one and this is the book we started with.

To Kill A mockingbird

A re-read of one of my favourites, still can't get my mum to read it, mind you also watched the movie for the first time this year

Murder in the Dark

Now this one is part of a series by Kerry Greenwood (book 16 to be precise) the character Phryne Fisher really does have style!

Eat, Pray, Love

Part of a lovely parcel from my wonderful friend Emma, thought the book was rather good

The Spare Room

A quick read for a trip away, but thought provoking and well written (I thought)

Spartan Gold

The magic that is Clive Cussler

Cold Blood

Picked up from a library sale in Coromandel Town when I had exhausted my holiday reading (didn't think Clive Cussler was going to be that good)

The Quiet American

Picked up from a second hand bookshop in Kerikeri, the shop owner told me I had the finest Graham Greene, will have to take his word for it, as this is my first and only (at this point).

The Life of Pi

On all the lists and a conversation at work made me think 'gotta read this' so I did.

The Girl who played with Fire

On a side note, our bookclub went on a field trip to watch the movie of the first book 0 I do rather like my bookclub

Dear Fatty

Love her, so had to read it (plus it was in the 3 for 2 offer)

Bon Appetit

Can't believe I had not picked up on these books sooner. Read 'Year in Provance' back in 2009 and now love it when I tumble upon them, usually in a book fair as this one was!

The Gurnsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

A bookclub read suggested my my mother (I didn't finish the one suggested by the bookmarked she sent) we all enjoyed it and it provoked a fair bit of discussion

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Another one on all the lists, and I think mentioned at a bookclub. Read while on holiday in the South Island in a lot of rain!

Cyclops

The magic that is Clive Cussler

Rachels Holiday

Picked up from a bookclub meeting at Heathers - why not I thought!

The Boy in the Stripped Pyamas

A borrow from Pauline in the bookclub oh oh my! Not going to watch the movie!

The End of the Alphabet

An odd little book in the sale!

The Childrens Book

A bookclub book, we had a lot to say about this one!

The Olive Route

Thought I'd love it - but it was hard work and an effort to read!

The Girl who kicked the Hornets Nest

They are all right - the last one is the best

Flood Tide

The magic that is Clive Cussler

Cod

A bookclub read, that was very interesting (apart from the recipes that I skipped)

Cordory Mansions

At last out in paperback - hurrah - fantastic

Raise the Titanic

The magic that is Clive Cussler - actually read for the booclub. We all read a different book, part of a challenge to try Clive Cussler!

Valhalla Rising

The magic that is Clive Cussler

Down Under

A library re-read while on my way to Oz

Cat Among the Pigeons

Following the success of all reading a different Clive Cussler, the bookclub move to Agatha and we all read a different book and feedback!!

Sophies World

A re-read to focus the non Clive Cussler part of my brain

Shock Wave

Clive Cussler taking over again

Death at the Priory

A bookclub read suggested by Vanessa, in the mood for murder after Agatha. A true story this one and aren't we all glad we're not Victorian women.

Labyrinth

A huge book that has always looked intriging, it was a rather quick read and I kind of liked it.

Lost Empire

That'll be Clive Cussler

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

A borrow from bookclub member Heather, quite amazing, and makes me very grateful for life

Highlights of 2010

2011-01-01T09:17:00.001+13:00

Highlights of 2010, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

I have lists, lots of lists, but a photo will start the year very nicely. It makes me smile when I actually look at all we've done over the past year and makes me think...'must do more of that...' So lets see.
It seems I didn't take or upload much in the way of baking photos during 2010, I really should remedy that. However, 2010 seems to have been the year we took the van out. We had loads of camping trips and that was our aim, so isn't that great. Australia was a big big highlight and a wonderful time, we want a bit more Oz in 2011. We have a good life that we appreciate, enjoy and make all we can of. Happy New Year all

I'm going to do this.....

2010-12-31T18:36:00.000+13:00

A great idea....right here

Christmas

2010-12-26T17:15:00.000+13:00

I should try harder I know, but Christmas is hard in New Zealand. Its summer for a start, but yet you are swamped with the 'traditional' images of Christmas - snow, Santa, elfs, trees, glittery stuff, more trees and more snow, snowflakes etc. It is so linked with the seasons, weather and nature that it makes no sense at all in the southern hemisphere. But that doesn't seem to stop folks. The traditional kiwi Christmas on the beach or at the bach is a great idea but still I struggle. There is less of a 'logical' reason to eats loads and loads of mince pies as we're not facing a cold winter (but that hasn't stopped me). Mince pies are a bit of a favourite of mine. I tried the whole pagan calendar and celebrate mid summer but think I may be the only one trying this, so feel a wee bit odd!! I did however, come down with a 'traditional' winter cold mainly I reckon because of all the snow images from UK and updates of cold, freezing, icy weather.

So with all this talk of tradition I realise that my Christmas tradition is to go to work. I'm not bitter and I often volunteer. Over the 15 years as a nurse how many have I worked I wonder? So really would be a bit of a loss to know what to do on Christmas day with no work. What hope do I have in retirement?

So Christmas day at work. We had a good day, it had been fairly busy in the run up, but we had a pleasant day, with a few admission, patients well enough to enjoy some time with their family and enough mince pies to bring a smile to my face. I have been 'Miss grumpy homesick pants' over the last few days and finally some of the joy of Christmas time got to me. Mainly thanks to the caring nursing souls I work with. I hope I haven't been too unbearable - normal service will be resumed soon I'm sure.

I miss my friends and family. I wanted my mum to make me a bacon sandwich and give me a hug, but a Skype call to her while we opened our presents after work seemed to help (though at this point the bubbly was also having the desired effect). I feel nostalgic about those Christmas times of my childhood and have to realise that's not what I have now and nor will I. Time to move on.

We returned home from work and while I made a rather delicious dinner of salmon and prawns, Adam watered the garden, all while we sipped Kir Royale. Opened all my presents, and wasn't Santa good to me. To those folks who post stuff, it is truly appreciated. I loved them all. To the gifts from work, which are so thoughtful. It's all good. I am blessed and loved and have a big smile on my face. So all is good and we have more fun ahead with a meal with friends on the 28th. Joy to the World.

Gardening Love

2010-12-18T11:59:00.000+13:00

I never ever, really, never ever thought I would love gardening. Don't know why, I loved helping nan and granddad in the garden. I have the best memories of my granddad in the garden and greenhouse. My mum, though not a vegetable gardener, envisages and plans great gardens in whatever space she has. So maybe it was meant to be. As a (seems to be) life long renter a garden has never really been near the top of the list of things we 'need'. So a little strip of dirt in New Zealand seemed a good place to start. Now we have a huge garden and I'm officially addicted. I come to life when someone asks me about the garden, and while I really don't have a clue what I'm doing, I love it none the less, and seem to have produced vegetables along the way. I'm slowly altering and adding to our section (sure the landlord won't really mind) and getting such pleasure, pain anguish and joy, it's marvellous.

Adam is rather excited by the brussel sprouts which seem determined (though very out of season here) to be ready for Christmas.

I loved the broad beans, which as we're now well into summer are all gone. Salad leaves doing just fine, along with the radish. I was impressed with last years celery but this year it was no good. A heap of tomatoes but nothing red yet.

Mind you I'm growing a Russian Green Variety and it seems to be taking over and to be honest, doesn't look quite right to me. The other tomatoes seem to be coming along OK so far.

I have a few (well lots) things to master, I've got better at thinning out seedlings, but still plant things too close together, and I really have to remember to plant and sow on a regular basis. Carrots, I've run out of carrots, and blimey do things take a long time to grow. The carrots have been my fail safe crop, plus I love them. So that's what I'm sticking with. Just need to remember to sow those seeds every couple of weeks.

Now I have two vegetable patches I also should work more on the whole crop rotation thingy and be a bit more planned and organised.

I'm still in the 'oh let's throw it in here and see what happens' kind of place. My planning is not helped by mine and Adam's sharp differences in vegetable love. I am clearly a root vegetable kind of gal. Carrots, parsnips (did great last winter), beetroot (ooh growing so well and so so tasty roasted or raw), celeriac (trying for the first time, in already for autumn/winter next year) and squash (failed last year trying to decide whether to give them another go). Whereas Adam is a greens man - oh and cauliflower, so it's spinach, poke choi (blimey that grows well here), broccoli (thank you Jamie for a great broccoli and pasta dish) and of course those brussels sprouts. So I really do have a bit of all sorts and not yet able to sustain us all year round. But I have added potatoes in this year, how the hell do you tell when they are ready?

The joy of the herbs all jumping back to life is great and I need to try some seed saving and make some herb butters to freeze for over the winter. Oh yes, that's the other thing I'm no good at, storing this stuff.

Well it's enough to keep me out of trouble (and the gym), I love getting my hands dirty and watching the seeds come up. I'm distraught when things go wrong, but I keep trying and I'm learning more and more. And the veggies at Christmas dinner this year will be from the garden.

Our Van

2010-12-11T20:07:00.002+13:00

Let me re-introduce you to the our VW van. It's been part of out family for probably 15 years now and we get more fond of her each time we take her out (the van has suddenly become female). It's had its time of trouble and went through years of neglect and I've mentioned before the trauma of bringing her to New Zealand.
She has two seats at the front and a bench seat in the back that two consenting adults can sit on. I say consenting as there are no seat belts in the back, so if its a cup of tea and slice of cake your after then all well and good, but if you want to join us for a ride, then it's your choice but certainly not an option for kiddies. It's too tall to get into most carparks so no good for going to work!
We may get round to putting seat belts in the back, as she is a life long project (and our retirement plan). There is always a little this or that to be done, added, taken away or changed. There are frequent conversations about the plans for an upgraded interior.
She is a simple soul though and Adam loves fixing things, servicing and the like, not to mention a rather long problem with the starting up that he is determined to solve. She can be interesting temperamental though and loves a little attention. The two times I've needed the AA while in New Zealand have been in the van in the Coromandel (in fact I may pre warn the AA when we plan our next trip). The blessing has been that she has chosen her moments well - while driving into a town, rather than on a sharp bend going up (or down) a stupidly steep hill with a rather long drop (well I guess we'd roll) down into the trees. So while she's temperamental I think she has our safety (and lives) in mind.
Our last AA encounter (with a huge thank you to the man at the Birdwood Mini Putt for use of phone and finding the number for me) was at the end of a great long weekend which had started with the VW Bulli run at Flaxmill Bay.

So about 22 VWs met at the Flaxmill Bay campsite for a chilled out weekend of eating drinking, catching up, talking vans, comparing stories and so on. I was told (while chatting to a man with a very yellow van) that it always rains at the Bulli Run. Well it did, but kept the hayfever symptoms to a minimum. Friday night was spent saying hello, chatting and generally agreeing that the compliance testing when you import a VW van is a right rip off.

It did rain, but the Saturday morning tried it's best, we didn't join the walk and boat ride to Whitianga, we stayed at the camp and ate the largest cooked breakfast we possibly could, then rested after our efforts reading and admiring the scenery. It was quiet, pleasant, rural, lovely. Then the noise of a Beetle getting into line for the convoy run to Hot Water Beach, had us packing up, downing the pop up roof and joining the gang. There is a strange but definite joy in taking part in a VW convoy run. This was only my second but it gives you a warm feeling inside. The sun was trying it's best and the parking all worked out, so a great afternoon of doing whatever we fancied really. There happens to be a rather great arty shop so I managed to get 4 Christmas presents - Jane, Em, Sharon and Annmarie sorted (thankfully, last posting day is the 1st Dec).

More food and drink for us back at camp, on one of those perfect camping evenings. Thank you VW campervan cookbook for the monkfish kebabs reciepe. We didn't join the evening party but it certainly sounded like a good time was had by all.

It rained again that night and Sunday morning was really not pleasant at all. Feeling slightly smug and not having to be back at work on the Monday, we waited, then the rain stopped, so we trundled into Whitianga, via the ferry and the aptly named Ferry Landing. Headed back for the van at lunch time and then took the short drive to Haehi for another couple of nights camping. This campsite is right on one of my fave beaches, so it was straight into the sea (that's us, not the van).

It was a windy but sunny afternoon, the sea was clear, crystal clear but a bit chilly. We do however have a technique; go in, come out, then go in again and it really doesn't seem that bad.

Monday was a 'sunny as' day. We really had a day of laying on the beach, swimming in the sea, walking round to the few shops for coffee (and yes a couple more Christmas presents) then resting in the shade with lunch, then back to the beach - you get the picture. Really was a rather lovely day, finished off with a grand BBQ. We wisely packed quite a few things away that night, cos did it rain. Oh yes the sun is hotter and stronger but the rain is very much wetter. I felt snug and warm, despite the force of the rain coming in through some tiny holes in our pop up roof. I did feel for those in tents, been there, it's not the most pleasant sensation as the rain seeps up from underneath your tent.
Well it eased in the morning, but it didn't look great and the group set for kayaking didn't look too thrilled at it all really! We have to head for home via Coromandel Town, so off we go. It's fairly soon into our drive - heading into Whitianga for a coffee that the accelerator cable goes! Quite interesting, so after a wee delay and a few games of card, we fixed up ready to continue. It's up and over those roads that could quite easily kill us, but the rain is easing a wee bit and it's all good. We rather love Coromandel Town and first stop is the Driving Creek Cafe. I would happily die in this place. End of story really.

After pottery purchases we head into town for a wee stroll (one more Christmas present - Em - you'll love this one!) then back to Auckland it is. We may have brought back a collection of sandflies that chose to attack once we get back home, but heh ho, that's what you have to put up with I guess.

Summer's here, but I've been to Australia

2010-11-13T21:32:00.005+13:00

You can tell it's summer, the blog posts are fewer, I'm outside, I get behind with everything, just enjoying the sun and the outdoors, I wish I could share more about the great stuff we get up too. So here I am, I've been to Australia, OK, back in October, and the middle of October at that, it was a epic moment, those days of waiting to get our passports back. All sorted, done and dusted, free to travel again.

So I though lots about the blog while in Oz, the wine, the vineyards, the wildlife. I had great ideas, interesting information and facts about places I saw, historic mining communities, wildlife parks, Kangaroo island, facts about animals, beaches and early exploration of Australia. I kept notes. The whole time I was thinking....so this is Australia, what was I expecting. It felt like a mystery, how I love going to new places.
In the lead up to leaving and on the journey itself, I did find myself having to explain why I was going to Adelaide for my first visit to Australia. Not the usual, nor the place people would expect (how I love to be just a little different). Well there was actually no choice for me, nor did I want to go anywhere else until I had been to Adelaide. It was imperative you could say.
You know those people who aren't, but really are family, they hold such a special place in you, they've been there since you were born. They've been there through the heart surgery and boat sinking. They've taken you on countless visits to Dover Castle and Howletts. They cheer and cry and then they cut jam sandwich's into your name.
My mother's dear friend, Julie is this woman. She and her family moved to oz 16 years ago, and it turns out I haven't seen them for 10 years (though it really doesn't feel like it). They live in Adelaide and we arrive a couple of days after my birthday to a rapturous welcome of tears and hugs at the airport. It really was quite dramatic. She had sorted out birthday cake as a surprise for that night and this touched me it a really special way.

To feel so welcomed and at home in seconds is a wonderful gift - the photos placed in my honour helped but their home is a big reminder of friends, family and good times. To have that feeling of love and specialness bestowed upon me was comforting and reassuring and made me realise how much I miss that unconditional love you get from those you are very close too. It made me miss my family and friends but appreciate what I have and the great time Julie and Ben showed us. Great hosts, all perfect.
So it was a nurturing and comforting time, a time for lots of wine, lots of photos in rather dubious places, times for lots of laughing.
South Australia does has some rather lovely vineyards, we first visited the McClaren Vale area, got onto a large empty stage and gave our rendition of the Simply Red play list, still stuck to the stage floor from the weekend before concert. This was of course near the end of the day wine tasting. Did I mention we could take back 6 bottles of wine each (well we couldn't cos our bags were too heavy, but we tried).
Our weekend away to Burra, had the crucial elements of historic Cornish mining stuff, Ozzie bars in their prime and more vineyards. Clare Vally - home of the Riesling and the Barrosa valley, home to those big names and I was rather a bit excited at being at Jacobs Creek.

Did I mention we went to Kangaroo Island, a two day trip, to the 133rd largest island in the world (thank you Lonely Planet), and saw rather a lot of wildlife and great beaches. So yep, cuddled a Koala (rather special I thought) and fed Kangaroos (rather cute). Lots more photos on flickr, take a lookie if you fancy. I will take this chance though, to say a huge thank you to Julie and Ben for the unbelievable welcome, time and just great time we had with them.

40 Things

2010-11-02T10:01:00.002+13:00

My birthday has been and gone, not one photo of me taken, but I did get one of all the great cards I had. It was a quite day with a musical ending, but I had been working on my list. Yes some are repeats of those not quite managed last year. So I roll towards 40 full of hope and good intentions and plans for a birthday trip. So here we go, 40 things for my 40th year on the planet.

Crack this running lark (I really do want to be able to run)
Go to Austrailia (more than once, given I had a trip planned for 2 days after my birthday)
Poster of the Petra trip (or maybe Morocco one) - after the success and pleasure of the Rome poster
Phohi river trip
Scuba day
~~Write a gratitude journal over the year~~
Writer more letters (more than what for goodness sake, I seem to know the post office staff very well)
Go horse riding along a beach (yet to decide which beach)
Do some groovy artwork with some kids (I have a few to choose from and some visiting this year)
Help Adam build his summer temple
Have my Oscar Party this year (for sure this time!!)
Finish the 365 mug shot project
~~Get onto that weekend massage course~~
~~Act as a wonderous host (2 planned visits this year - I'm up for more - anyone wanting to visit NZ)~~
Ski again in the South Island (maybe take a lesson this time and hope to get into my trousers this time)
Dentist thing really has to be done
Take the train (vague and interesting)
~~Walk the Tongariro Crossing~~
~~Find good boots~~
Make my own bath bomb
~~Cuddle a Koala bear~~
~~Get myself to a festival~~
Make rainbow drawers
Revamp the unit thingy in the garage
~~Do the full on Rotorua experience~~
Walk on an active volcano
Have a voucher frenzy
~~Embrace the World Cup~~
Plant more wild flowers
Spend lazy days at the beach this summer
But while doing number 30 try this body boarding marlarcky
Plan smashin 40th birthday trip
Lay in a hammock
Make a will
Make eating at the table a habit
Make Adams birthday a special event
~~Meet up with those folk I went to school with that live really not that far from me~~
Breathe well
Bake the epic super rainbow cake
Feed the birds

Have I?

2010-10-13T21:37:00.002+13:00

Well while feeling contemplative and wonder some on the eve on my birthday I feel a list would be better. I made a list last year, 39 things to do before my birthday, so should I reflect and assess my progress. Should I worry about what I haven't achieved, who should judge? The only thing I can say really is I thought I'd get a lot more done. So do I save them and roll them over for tomorrows list? This year has done my head in to be honest. I've been away from home long enough so it doesn't feel like and adventure anymore. I've questioned a lot and not got a lot of answers. Forgive my terrible English, I'm a disgrace to my education, I know.

I have kept true to number 30 and while it has taken 363 days before I was creative and thoughtful in my writing, it has been an interesting exercise. The journal in itself is delightful, from the wonderful Kikki.K, and it has travelled with me everywhere and I do get behind missing a day or two and while trying to catchup with events scare myself over my poor memory I've enjoyed the experience. The daily countdown of days till my year was up may have a negative effect on me facing this years birthday, so I'll be trying something different come the 15th. I realise how lucky I am to be alive, too look forward to my birthday, to have another birthday, there are those out there, my age who don't have that privilege and it's kind of done me in a bit thinking about that.

While I long to be a free spirit and a crazy hippy soul, there will always be the list maker in me. It may be a notebook thing, but this is a confession to be sure. I keep a list of all the post I send and all the post I receive. I love post, I mean really love getting post. I'm an Internet addict for sure, but real letters, so very lovely. I am blessed by great friends who write to me, so I hope I have returned enough joy in the post.

This was number 33 in my list last year, so just to make sure, I counted. I've sent at least 64 postcards, Jan tops the list in case you're wondering, she got 6 of them, with Lesley and Dr Wray coming in a close second at 5 each. I've sent 17 parcels, that's ridiculous, but the Grains are the winners there, with Mum coming in close behind. I'm not so strong on letters, only 22, with Sally getting most of those. I splash cards about fairly freely, no clear winners in this section, but Jane, Dad and Jayne C all on three each. Now who get the most, so totaling cards, letters, parcels etc altogether whose address do I write the most. The Grains win again, with my mum/sis and Jane all getting into double figures. A common number of items was 7 - that's not even once a month. I thought I was good. Em, I feel bad, you'll be the one person I know who will read and comment on this and only 7 bits of post in a year, you've sent me such great parcels, your turn will come. Clearly I must try harder next year.

Though having just gone through the exercise of counting all this, I am more concerned about my mental health than ever before.

Doubtful Baking

2010-09-24T19:01:00.003+12:00

, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

I was worried, they didn't look as great as they should. That wonderful smell of freshly baked bread and banana loaf was there, so there was some hope, but I had my doubts and concerns.
The last couple of loaves I've made in the bread maker have not been good. Kind of stodgy in the middle!! My keen sense of logic led me to believe it was the yeast as this was the only thing new/different from previous gorgeous bread. So a new pot of yeast it was, so this was the first loaf, my trusty kibbled wheat and pumpkin seed.
As for the banana loaf, I tried a recipe from Sophie Dahl's book, and I was doubtful throughout, and more so at the end, darker than normal and not very risen. I must confess the couple of things of tried from this book haven't been great, but I am continuing with faith.

So of course the best thing to do is to take them all into work. These are the folks who think my muffins are 'too moist', so if there was a problem they wouldn't hold back. Kiwi folk are quite direct and speak their mind, with no holes barred most of the time.
Given the night shift we had was not exactly straight forward, I was very grateful for the moist, dense rich banana cake I had created. I'm sure it would be great with a dollop of cream, but not last night. The bread looked and I'm told was fine, I had a little prod and I didn't get a stodgy vibe. Hurrah. What to make next week.

Kevin's New Home

2010-09-20T17:32:00.001+12:00

Our potted Christmas Tree has been looking rather sad of late, dead like would be a nearer description. We've been worried, so after two years in a couple of pots we decided it was time to be planted in the real world. When we emptied Kevin (named after the dog (or was it the bird thingy) in Disney's 'Up' (I'm not much of an animation film kind of girl, but I loved loved Up)) out of his pot, it was clear that the lack of drainage may have contributed to the poor state of the tree.

So with Adam as ever doing the digging, Kevin is planted in the garden. He's looking rather forlorn and very small, but we have good volcanic soil. I do so hope he does well.

Elsewhere in the garden I've kept busy, tidying up messy corners, sorting out pots for the front steps, enjoying the bulbs and other flowers I planted, rejoicing as the lavender looks set to flower again and grinning rather widely when I saw the first buds of blossom on our little tree.

Spring is really on its way, which is just as well as I've taken a risk and planted my first tomato plants.

Camping Resumed

2010-09-11T19:29:00.001+12:00

Officially Spring is round the corner, but despite the flowers blooming and the lambs running around the park, there is still time to get some winter camping in (remember wet rather than cold here in sub tropical Auckland). The van all sorted and on the road. We head north, well we set off a bit later than planned, after skype call, shopping, packing oh and lets just pick up a little BBQ (mainly the fault of my new VW camper can cookbook). So we hit the fantastic market at Matakana (Em, you would love this place) a little late, but still time to get veggies for the risotto, no scallops however, but some great bread and cheese will do fine, thank you very much.
We drive on past Leigh, up and down the hills and tight corners that our van loves so much (!) and straight for the beach side campsite at Pakari. Now the AA is right, the scary gates put you off a bit, add in the rules plastered around and the you can't come in after 9pm business, you do wonder what you're letting yourself in for. However, it's a fantastic location and the joy of camping in the winter, no one else is here - a handful of people and that's it, this means we get a great spot and settle in for a couple of nights. As for the 'in before 9pm' bit, where are we going to go. In the summer there is the wonderful Goat Island for some snorkeling or we could go horse riding up in the village, but right now here is where we are going to stay.

Staff were friendly, the little shop looked useful (though didn't have the one thing I'd forgotten - heh ho) and the facilities all fine. As with all the motor home places we've been too, wouldn't really fancy it when it gets crowded in the summer, but the ability to plug in our little heater to make the van cosy and take the dampness out of the shoes and clothes is just perfect at this time of year. I actually thought it was all a bit sad really as the the campsite is full of caravans that clearly go nowhere, all with permanent looking awnings - one family was putting pot plants around their little patch! Another site we peeped into had a bookcase in the awning. Sad all those caravans with wheels, going nowhere. It appears the kiwis return to the same spot for weekends and summer hols so I guess it makes sense. However, this is a stunning place to get stuck in.

The beach is wild, wide and that never ending kind of look to it. There was a good breeze around making the south pacific look just at it should. Our pitch eased onto the estuary and a quick walk along the side took you to the sand dunes and then onto the beach. A bit of wading through water was required and the tides made all the difference. It brings you to a special place, just watching the tides and the changes that it makes in your immediate surroundings. We didn't look at a watch all weekend, we got up when it was light, we ate when hungry, we walked on the beach when it wasn't raining, we took afternoon naps, we built sandcastles and drew pictures in the sand. We made burgers and cooked them on the new, rather wonderful little BBQ. The new camper van cookbook tells me this is a rule when you go camping, so who am I to disagree.

It was a restorative time, work has been busy, tragic and tiring for us both and we needed some gather it together time, which this trip gave us. Being a family kind of camping ground with all the trimmings we came across a games room and had one those great experiences of laughing till you cry and can't stop or control yourself times while (trying) playing table tennis. We love camping. We are happy campers. Love more, laugh more, camp more.

Camping Cancelled

2010-08-25T18:26:00.001+12:00

We had an overnight camping trip arranged, but it was dashed when Adam realised that his WOF (Warrant of Fitness - NZs MOT). I was mad, and the funny thing was I found out when I was driving back from collecting my keys and coat I'd left at work, cos I'm a scatty forgetful thing. So there I was mad at Adam for forgetting the warrant! So now I've confessed to the double standards and the hissy fit I threw I can continue. He was sorrowful but still laughed at me having my hissy fit. So a day out had to be planned. Somewhere new, a scouting trip for summer camping adventures....we headed to our favourite place the Coromandel, but this time headed up the Kauaeranga Valley.

There are several DOC campsites up this great track and we'll be back for sure. We checked out the model dam and then took the nature walk to Hoffmans Pool. My book says a great spot for swimming and a picnic. The water was freezing - twas sunny but still winter remember. I took my jeans off and paddled in, only to loose the feeling in my feet and have trouble walking. So picnic and stone gathering it was. A beautiful spot and we will return to swim when the water warms up.

We then headed to the nearby town of Thames for the daily coffee fix and then while both wanting to run away to Coromandel township, we headed south onto new roads. We found ourselves in the antique town of New Zealand - Paeroa - also famous for the L&P drink. We found the large bottle eventually. An odd town, but clearly the place to buy gum boots, as I've had no luck finding proper gum boots in Auckland (I ask you, how hard can it be to find a decent welly boot - especially in a country as wet as this one - but I digress).

From Paeroa, we drove along the rather lush Kauaeranga Gorge, another spot to come back to for the gorge walkway and the waterfalls, but for now we headed for Waihi beach and sunset looking at the Pacific Ocean, having a rather interesting conversation about which coast we would rather live on. Are you a sunset or sunrise person, surf and black sand or gentle sea and golden sand, it was all rather difficult to decide.

Van in the garage today, so hoping for camping at the weekend.

Lemon Tart

2010-08-21T19:31:00.001+12:00

The lemons called to me really, having exhausted my own supply from my young little lemon tree, the little bag at the Clevedon Farmers Market did demand to be brought. So there I am with a gorgeous little bag of organic lemons, ummm! No, it's not to be a lemon cake or lemon muffins, it needs to be a new thing. Mind you, it's Sunday evening, in my new attempt to be organised I've done the shopping, so it also have to be made from things I've got in the house. "I'm making a lemon tart' I say and then what followed was a rather scary thorough search of lemon tart recipes. I had a few in the vast collection of cookbooks I treasure, though not as many as I expected, so I thought just to be sure I'd have a little online looking, checking out Delia, just to make sure I'm in the right ball park, but also checking out a few more just to learn all there is about lemon tarts.
In the end however having grasped the general gist of the tart, I used the one in my faithful recipe file. Now, my baking weakness or danger spot is pastry. I try but am plagued with terrible memories of home economic classes at school, with the scary teachers ridiculing me at the shape I am rolling out. It's all too much!
There are however happy pastry memories. Both my grandmothers were marvelous cooks and made superb pastry, so I have fond thoughts of my nan being able to make a stunning pie without batting an eyelid or using scales for that matter. I was allowed to make jam rolly things from the left over pastry (or I ate the raw stuff which still tastes divine), and took great pride in sprinkling sugar on the egg coated 'thing' I'd 'made'. I would watch in awe as nan sliced off the excess pastry from around the edge of the plate, it was a thing of wonder. I am smiling now at the memory.
My Scottish grandmother, who I really never realised until too late, what a incredible woman she was, encouraged (and ate) my early attempts as a cooking teenager, she was always full of praise, encouragement and top tips (cold hands etc!).
My mother was an inspiration in pastry as she would make the most amazing decorations for the tops of pies, roses and leaves I seem to remember, I really must have another go at those.
So why with this pedigree is my pastry a bit weak, sometimes its OK, sometimes it's good, sometimes I give up throw it away and make a crumble! No consistency, it's a worry.
This is a very long winded way of saying that whatever recipe I looked at, I had no intention of making pastry. I love to bake, but I also love to enjoy myself while baking, and the joy at opening a ready made defrosted packet of sweet pastry and gently rolling out to the desired shape with ease and elegance is all I need really.
So there you go, if you want pastry recipe you don't need me. I just need a ready stocked freezer with my variety of pastries, ready for any such occurrence, like the need to make a lemon tart on a Sunday evening.

The trouble is, the tart is so easy it's a bit embarrassing, so Sandika, if you are reading this, this one is for you, trust me, you can do it. I pre-baked the pastry case, all that baking blind malarkey so you have a baked by cooled tart case ready for the filling.

Lemon filling then:

3 large eggs plus 1 yolk

150ml double cream

100g golden caster sugar

grated zest of 2 large unwaxed lemons

freshly squeezed juice of 3 large lemons

Put all the ingredients into a large jug/bowel and beat by hand until just combined. Set the prepared pre-baked pastry case, in the flan tin, on a preheated baking sheet and pour in three quarters of the filling. Put into a preheated oven at 160c, then carefully pour in the remaining filling (this way you avoid spilling the filling as you put the tart in the oven)

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is firm when the tart is gently shaken. No wobbly tarts here!!

All the lemon tart recipes I looked at gave the hint about filling the pastry case when it's actually on the oven shelf, why the hell have I not come across this top tip before. I didn't have a large enough jug, so used a bowel which was OK, but I could see a jug would be easier.

I guess there are a whole heap of things you could do to top it, or serve it with, but we just ate the first piece warm and in stunned admiring silence. The second piece eaten cool later was just as good. As where the pieces for the rest of the week, there was no way Adam was letting this baby into work, sorry guys!

Oh made a very similar rhubarb (from the garden) tart, thanks to Jamie. This one is puff pastry so no baking blind business.

Number One

2010-08-04T09:40:00.001+12:00

Number one of the list and a joy it was too. Though the drive up the mountain had me gripping the car seat, Adam was of course in his element, I am such a coward. A great place to ski - though we move so slowly is it really skiing - I say it's great control. So Cardrona is the place to go and we have already planned to go back next year, take some lessons, love it again already. No lessons this year, just enjoyed the wide open slopes and the fantastic scenery all around.

We also repeated some of the walks we did when we last here in April, this time with clear blue skies, sunshine and wonderful far reaching views. Yes perfect weather, we where blessed all week.

We stayed in Wanaka (typed at least three times to be sure) at the YHA backpackers, would highly recommend it, as we did when we camped here in April

We visted Arrowtown and Queenstown and took a drive to the ends of the earth which felt a little adventurous (to me anyway).

Happy and delighted (well apart from when I put on my ski pants and realised the amount of weight I have clearly put on and struggled to do them up - they popped undone on the chair lift anyway), it was a great week.

Number 28

2010-07-23T17:13:00.000+12:00

It still counts, I think, even though I didn't grow these onions. They're spicy and crunchy and rather lovely so there you go. Despite feeling generally down, off colour, homesick and rather blue (which I think it too closely linked to needing a hair cut), number one coming up soon. Big smile.

Carrot and corriander cake

2010-07-11T19:45:00.003+12:00

Carrot and corriander cake, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

For Em.
Well to clarify the recipe below is for courgette cake as promised but it appears I don't have a picture of the cake (more loaves really) that I made. It's not courgette (well Zucchini over here) season so this pic will have to do until I make another zucchini cake next summer.
The lovely Caroline gave me this recipe shortly after arriving in New Zealand and I have made it a few times without any problems that I can remember. The quantities below make two loaves
Here you go:

In one bowel (a large one) start with
   3 eggs
   3 tbspns vanilla essence
   1 cup oil
   2 cups sugar

Mix together well then add
   2 cups grated courgette

In another bowel sieve together
   3 cups SR flour
   1 tspn cinnamon
   1 tspn salt
   1 tspn cloves
   1 tspn bicarbonate soda
   1 tspn mixed spice

Then mix everything well together and finally add
   1 cup mixed nuts/fruit

Bake at 350 F for one hour

I uses loaf tins, but guess you could use any appropriate receptacle. Thinking about it I have made it without the nut/fruit mixture and it still was perfectly fine.

Day 263

2010-07-04T17:35:00.000+12:00

So it's been 263 days since my birthday and today would have been Nans birthday so I have worked hard in the garden and brought a lemon tree in her honour. I planted a few things and thinned out the carrots and beetroot that is coming up. I dug over the new patch for the the raspberries but we couldn't get the trellis into the wall, so that will have to wait till tomorrow and another trip to Bunnings.

As for the trellis, I didn't realise buying some would be so complicated, nor impossible to get into the car, thankfully we have a roof rack. I was quite impressed with getting it tied on safely by myself.
It's been cold and wet out there today and I looked quite the part by the end of my efforts. Winter may well be here. I had hoped for a bonfire tonight to celebrate Independence Day and Nans birthday, but the hot dogs will be eaten by the fire indoors and the budwiser will be just as tasty. (Only just been able to get Budwiser here, it was the only beer I used to drink so am rather excited about tonight).

There has been some sun though and on day 251 after my birthday we went to Auckland Botanic Gardens for a great sunny walk and inspiration for the garden. We were walking through some trees and I looked up, watching them swaying, thinking they look like cells.....

Happy Birthday Nan

We're going to the zoo

2010-06-29T19:30:00.000+12:00

Actually we've been. Yesterday we took Poppy to the zoo, we'd been looking forward to another trip and had been promising Rach and Russ that we would take Poppy out for a trip, so off we went.

Auckland Zoo is a great place to spend a day and is very popular. We've been before and Poppy has been loads of times, so she guided us round, telling us which way to go, what she wanted to see. So we found the hippo, the rhinos the baby giraffe and the tigers.

We had a great day, Poppy nearly lost me in the mercat tunnels (oh to be three again and not the old, fat woman I felt trying to keep up with her as she ran and I crawled) but we spent several hours walking around and enjoying the place, stopping at various points for snack as you do! She was very very well behaved so a trip to the shop for a wee gift was in order - shut for stock taking, so another trip may be in order.

Winter Gardening

2010-06-27T08:51:00.000+12:00

Tis a confusing place to live is Auckland. They tell me it's winter, it does feel a bit chilly in the mornings and we celebrated our midwinter solstice (with a very lovely roast pork and roast veggies, followed by trifle, fire in the garden and mulled wine), but my garden is clearly confused.
The growing has certainly slowed and I've noticed the change in seasons in that way, the carrots are growing at slow speed as opposed to springing up everywhere during the spring and summer. The raspberries have shrivelled, and I've cut them down (thinking about moving them round the corner to the sunnier spot very soon).

The squash I tried to grow failed early in it's life (going the same way as my courgettes I fear). The celery I planted hoping for a summer crop is just about ready now and rather tasty _ we had our first harvest - and a very good celery, mint, feta and tomato salad. This was especially good, as apart from the feta, everything came from the garden, grown and picked by my our fair hand. Helped on my a squeeze of lemon- my first picking from the tree!

The tomatoes are the odd ball, why, despite the death look of the plant are they still producing, ripening and tasting lovely. This is my no means a complaint, just a confusion to add to my strawberries!
The strawberries did great in the hanging basket, but I got greedy and when we moved in this house and I dug (well, that's a lie, Adam did the digging) a vegetable patch, I planted a whole host of strawberry plants. We got strawberries, but I'm not sure if the bugs got more than us. They were tasty but not as clear a success as the hanging basket the previous year. The joy of subtropical Auckland is that they still flower and I see a strawberry from time to time, always eaten by bugs at the moment I have to say. So a decision was made and a small shopping spree saw four hanging baskets and a bag of strawberry mix (you see why are the garden centres selling strawberry plants and strawberry mix) sitting happily in the garden where I had a great time replanting the plants and with Adams help of course, hanging them up. All looking rather great, and should be much easier in terms of picking (standing up instead of bending down).

And who would know that this is lemon season, my tree has at least 5 lemons looking great, I'm so delighted I'm off to buy another one.

As for other winter veg, carrots continue but I clearly need to ensure I plant seeds regularly if I want a constant crop - it pains me to buy a carrot having grown and tasted my own. Parsnips look more promising than last year, I had a dig and a peak to see if any where ready to go with out midwinter roast, they are there...they are small......so the way my garden seems to produce should be having them spring time I guess.
The rhubarb looks set to keep going forever, the blueberry plant has been re-homed in a half wine barrel, so hoping for a bigger crop next year

The Adventure of the Blowhole

2010-06-05T11:59:00.001+12:00

Like my spelling my time keeping with this blog is never going to be accurate! Last weekend we took the van for a try at some winter camping. I packed a ridiculous amount of blankets, Adam brought a camping electric cable and a heater, as we'd not managed to find a gas heater for the van. We headed to Muriwai Beach, not that far from Auckland but a world away. I written about our visits before and it has been on our minds for while to spend a night in the motor camp here. We arrived Saturday afternoon, the rain had started in short downpours but stopped for us to walk the expansive beach in sunlight. Admiring the huge numbers of kite surfers and watching the sand kite thingies whizz past us.

We ate early and well and then stayed warm and snug as the wind and rain howled around us outside. It howled and blew, we rocked and swayed so put the roof down for the night and snuggled into the bed and blankets (we did use the heater to make sure it all worked but it really didn't get that cold).

We woke Sunday morning to blue skies, sunshine and a fresh calm day, we could see folks were already on the beach so off we went. A paddle and a stroll along the beach early morning is hard to beat it has to be said. We headed round to the rocks, meaning to walk up to the ganet colony, but were side tracked by the blowhole. Despite our numerous previous visits we've never ventured down to it. I am foremost a coward so why would I. Obviously today was the day, I braved the smooth wet rocks, the crashing waves and stood admiring the power of the sea and the beauty of the rocks. I did not get wet, but the same could not be said for Adam. I had then the title for my blog post, which had been playing on my mind over the trip but had not become more exciting than 'a nights camping'. So there you have it. Not really winter camping, but we mean to take the van out again over the midwinter solstice in a couple of weeks.

Wanaka

2010-05-26T10:16:00.003+12:00

The drive over the Crown Range to from Arrowtown to Wanaka is truly a great drive. I first did it alone when I holidayed in New Zealand in 2004. There was still snow around and the signs to 'put snow chains on here' had me terrified, well that and the steep and sharp corners straight out of a James Bond film. I was shaking at points but proud none the less.
Since moving here we've done the drive a few times and no...Adam hasn't driven every time.....just mostly. On this occasion, the sun was comforting and turning the afternoon golden and warming. The views are far reaching and the mountains seem to smile back at you. We head down into Wanaka, heading to the outskirts and a hunt for campsite......
Oh the joy, I knew just driving up the gravel road we were onto a winner here. Yes it's a wee bit out the way, but boy is it worth it. So no, you can't stroll into Wanka for an evening meal or drink but there is a well stocked shop on site with just the amount of goodies you need. Plus you can walk round the lake into Wanaka, it'll just take a hour or so.

So this place has soul. There are numbered, powered sites, but not lined up like a regimental ground. There are trees, dirt and mud. Plus you're on a lakeside, on a slight incline, so there are varied views and outlooks. There are a few folk here, some in tents, some in very small tents. There are trailer tents, and campa vans plus huge trailers with the whole deal of heaters, satellites etc. What I'm saying is that it copes, encourages and welcomes all types of camping. Yes Lake Outlet Holiday Park is the place to stay.
The showers/toilets are the best designed I have ever come across and despite the wind and rain (oh boy was there rain) they stayed warm dry and cosy. The warmest of our trip in fact. Now these aren't flash, big or brand new. They just work and are just right. There is a sufficient sized kitchen that given the rain was always quite busy in the evenings, folks playing cards, writing, computering as well as cooking and washing up.

We were here for Anzac day which we marked with a good breakfast and a stunning walk from the campsite to Albert Town. An absolutely great track that we were blessed with sun and warmth as we strolled the easy path along the lake outlet up the river about 6km of walking, then a rest with treats and then a walk back.

Despite the onslaught of severe rain at this point, the sort of rain that shuts roads, floods paths and causes a wee bit of trouble - New Zealanders never get too disrupted but enjoy the challenge - we had some good times. On our list of 'To Do's was Puzzling World. Often passed never as yet visited. Great time. Simple but fun. My mum would have loved the maze, Adam beat me, but heh ho. The Illusion rooms were amazing, clever and difficult to describe - sorry - you'll have to visit yourselves.

Another must do for Wanaka is the cinema. Now a cinema visit in New Zealand is always pretty good, They have leg room, normally wine or whatever you fancy really. There are those with bean bag seats or those with posh lounging recliner chairs where you can have food delivered to you mid way through the film. There are huge screens. There are some amazing independent cinema with great style, class and ice cream. There are quirky famous in there own right cinema and this one, the Paradiso in Wanaka is one of those.
Tis full of armchairs, settees and other oddities to sit upon - namely a Morris minor! You can eat before, during or after. It was busy when we booked our tickets, busy when we turned up and busy when we ate pizza after the film. They have this amazing tradition it seems of home baked cookies, ready fresh from the oven for the intermission. Yes an intermission, the stampede was a sight in itself. Service excellently friendly banter and fun with a healthy approach to annoyingly noisy children.

We did brave the rain, got dressed up - no such thing as bad weather just bad clothes kind of attitude - and off we went. Only a short one, I'm all for getting out there, but the cloud was low , the rain was full on and I don't want to die! Anyway Diamond Lake it was. A a great walk around the lake, we then went up (oh how I love walking uphill), as we got to on viewpoint, the clouds lightened, the rain eased and we took it all in for a moment. Deep breaths, joy of living and all that. Then we walked back, more rain came and the clouds thicken. We are blessed, joyful, appreciative, wet, happy.

Arrowtown

2010-05-09T12:38:00.001+12:00

Arrowtown is a gorgous little place. A place to visit in any season, but has a reputation for stunning autumn colours, hence our April visit. We were not dissappointed. Nor were we disspointed with the great Lake District Museum, much bigger than it looks, with loads of interesting and well set up displays. It's history is the gold minning days and that history is important, preserved and intergral to any visit.

It also has a small number of shops, good places to eat, an historic chinese village settlement, short and longer walks. All pretty cool.

We wanted to spend the night, as previous trips where all day visits, the intention being a good mea, a bottle of wine and a wlak make to the camper. There is but one choice and given the stunning backdrop the campsite is a huge disappointment.

It is dull, unimagantive site. Regimental, concreted. Even the map of the site is depressing. You have to have an access card for the barrier for goodness sake, what is that all about. The staff I saw were realatively friendly, though when we arrived at 4pm we were unable to use the kitchen (closed) or the toilet/shower block (cleaning in progress) so that annoyed me. The point of paying to stay in these sites to have access these things - what if the gas had run out in the van and I needed tea, what if I needed the loo after our drive. I was slightly enraged as we walked into town. Actually I misread the opening hours of the kitchen and they weren't as bad as I first thought, though it was still closed at 4pm!

When we could use the shower room. you have to pay an extra dollar for a shower. Now these are flash sleek, new and clean I'll give them that, and yes there is underfloor heating, but I'm not that fussy. The showers are also quite powerful, so this place is probably worth a night, if you have sore aching muscles that need a good pummel, or if you have tangly, knotty hair that really needs power to get that conditoner worked through!

But on the whole I would say give it a miss. There is no soul, no atmoshphere, no style. You want an electical hook up, you don't need to be frog marched, squeezed in and lined up, which is kind of what it feels like. Campers are never as chatty at places like this either.

It was the only place I could find, to camp near enough to walk into town for what turned out to be a great meal, preceeded by wine in an absolutely fabulous little bar. I digress, maybe this was the night to try freedom camping. Maybe that is what people do and that is why there is a secirity barrier to stop sneeky folk using the facilities! Camping and campsites are very personal so each to their own. This is but my own humble opioion and I hated it.

Thankfully things were about to get a lot lot better.

The Ride of the Rings

2010-05-04T11:08:00.002+12:00

Bless him, that's all I can say. Number 7 has been on my mind for this trip as I thought that the stunning scenery around Paradise would be tempting and dsitracting. So we booked. I still ummed and errred - Queenstown seems to always knock me into in-activity. There is so much to do, so much exciting adrenaline rush stuff that I do nothing. I overcame and booked the ride. It had been rather wet so we went for the Ride of the Rings - plus this one is only at a walk and only one and half hours. It takes you right up into Paradise so the fact that you pass lots of places where filming took place is either an added bonus, or neither here, nor there depending on your point of view. I was worried though as Adam was calling horses 'beasts of Satan' on the drive up to Glenorchy.

So first off I must say that all the staff at Dart Stables are fantastic. Though on the day of our visit Rachel deserves a special mention. She knew her day wasn't going well with a pick up over half an late, then Adam asking about camel riding I don't hink helped much, but she could take the piss out of him without any fear. Then she had to face the rude man and the phone, then the late woman having a fag. It made our waiting to leave all very entertaining but I did feel for her, and felt the need to give her chocalate if I'd had any one me.

So off we go. I was so worried about Adam, but he seemed to be smiling at me. The rain held off for our ride and at times the sun came out. It was stunning, walking into the forests took my breath away, it was amazing, so beautiful. No, sorry crap at good descriptions, you'll have to trust me. Though of course if you're not into outdoor stuff, woods, trees and the like you'd have hated it, anyway I digress.

I did have moments of anxiety over my control freak thing, that occurs when I'm sitting on a horse, but I relaxed, feeling confident and assurred by our two guides, knowledgable with a sense of humour. They were both great. I rode Randel, apparently can be grumpy and likes to eat, so we got on perfectly. It was great, can I say that any more times.

Having your picture taken at a higlight spot was a surprise and a rather pleasant one at that.

Well the pace of the walk picked up and I guessed the horses knew we where on the home stretch, the wind started to pick up and just as we all dismounted the rain came. Blessed, that's what I am.

Well at this point I look at Adam, he smiles, a big, huge, happy smile. Then you could have knocked me over as he says 'I really enjoyed that', blimey hell and hurrah. He wants a horse now, of course. But at least I can plan some more riding trips.

Thank you Dart Stables. By the way we popped into your shop in Queenstown and there was a couple there deciding whether to do a trip - I think we did a pretty good job. Especially Adam, who I think Rachel offerred him a job anyway based on his sense of humour.

Lake Hayes

2010-04-27T10:41:00.002+12:00

It may have been Thursday or maybe it was Friday - I think this is a sign of a good holiday - I've lost all track of days and dates. We found a great walk to kick the autumn leaves. My sorry, fat, lazy, couch potato arse really needs to do some exercise, so a walk it is to be. Now I don't want to send myself into a spiral of depressing suicide thoughts by taking on anything too difficult (by this I mean uphill) so I choose the walk described by the very useful 'Discover Arrowtown" leaflet as a 'medium fitness'. I have to stretch beyond the easy really (plus I've done those ones). This is to be a 2 hour loop around Lake Hayes.

Lake Hayes doesn't even make it onto some of the maps but it sits quietly between Queenstown and Arrowtown easily accessed just off highway 6. Plenty of parking.

Well not so sure about the medium fitness - I am clearly not at that level as I finished (just under 2 hours thank goodness) a red, sweaty bloated fingered soul. It was however a lovely lovely walk that I would encourage all those like minded souls to do. There was a bit of uphill but mainly flat, and stunning stunning views. An excellently maintained track circumnavigates the lake giving you various veiws of the surrounding mountains, including the always remarkable Remarkables. There are picture perfect scenes of houses nestled into the hills and trees. And the autumn colours, have I mentioned the autumn colours, not so much of the reds, it's more a light golden, with hints of rust, copper and bronze.

Camping Thoughts

2010-04-25T18:03:00.003+12:00

Happy Camper, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

This trip into the South Island marks a first. The first time we have hired a campa van to travel around. In New Zealand this is common place and there are always loads of hired vans to be seen. The choice of campsites is an interesting question and time could be well spent discussing the qualities of those around. Campa van camping, is one type of camping and as listening to the rain belting down last night, while I was tucked up very snug and warm thank you, I reflected on my camping pedigree.

I have hoisted many a tent in back gardens of friends and family in Kent and Sussex. I have dragged my sorry soul around North Wales twice, lugging a wet, heavy, orange canvas vango tent for the DofE. I have slept under the stars in the Sahara desert and in Bedoin tents in the Sinai.
My trusty tent has been pitched numerous times (mainly in the wind and rain) in the Lake District and the New Forest. I have shared friends tents in these very places as well. I took my poor mother to Cornwall, in March, to stay in my tent. We have taken the tent to France and enjoyed the sun in the Loire valley and the Dordonge.
This same tent came to New Zealand enjoyed a stay in the Bay of Islands where the poles broke in the wind. A new tent has seen us travel to the Coromandel a few times for some very Happy Camping. Plus a tent trip in Northland with some friends.
I just survived Glastonbury despite killer hayfever. Hayfever got me again when staying in a Tipi in Raglan - a move to a disused railway carriage helped heaps.
The VW van has taken us to the New Forest and the Lake District and has now sampled the delights of the Coromandel, Napier and Leigh in New Zealand.
We've bunked on two great walks in New Zealand - the Routeburn and the Abel Tasman. I've bunked up Mt Kinabalu in Borneo and just survived to tell the tale.

There are many types of camping, campsites and fun to be had at them all. Do what you enjoy, this is to be fun. This trip is a holiday. In the South Island. In New Zealand. Where is may rain everyday. It may snow. The sun may beat down and warm the soles of our feet as we lay by the lakes. But I want to be able to have a hot shower and know there are toilets close by and if the gas runs out in the van, well a kitchen so I can make a cup of tea would be just great. This one isn't a survival course or test. I here to soak up the mountains and the autumn colours and I will give my full thoughts on the campsites I come across because I can.

Te Anau

2010-04-24T10:30:00.001+12:00

As we fly down to Queenstown from Auckland I am very mindful of those stranded, stuck and inconvienenced by the volcanic ash clogging the airways of Europe, so I am grateful for clear skies and a good flight into stunning as ever Queenstown. There is something about the mountains that make me feel good.

We pick up our Jucy camper. The biggest queue is for Jucy - they are by far the cheapest. However, you get what you pay for. Basic and simple I guess, with a terrible lay out and a leaky gas cannister. Heh ho. The bed, is entertaining to put together and I feel I am part of a Krypton Factor challenge. It makes a large and fairly comfy bed though so all is good.

You cannot get a decent cup of coffee of Te Anau, well at least we didn't manage to find one anyway. The first one we tried tasted like dish water and we had to leave it - that bad. But you are surrounded by glorious mountains and at the gateway to Milford sound, so we aren't actually complaining. The weather is warm, the skies are blue and the sun is shinning. So off we go. It is a minefield out there though so be warned - hunt for what you are after in terms of tours and trips, there are lots and it is a wee bit confusing and none are excatly cheap. We have a great day, got soaked by a waterful and feel wonderfully alive (and wet).

Replenished

2010-04-18T16:47:00.002+12:00

, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

I can confirm once again the powerful healing joy of Heinz tomato soup. Not the same if not brought to you in bed by your mum, but none the less I am in a much better place today. The steroids and powerful antihistamines may have played their role, but the definite up came after the magical soup.

Onto the packing. I have never been good at packing and I travel a lot. So why can I not pick which coat to take, or how many jumpers I need, and which ones do I take. Choice is one problem. If I only had one coat the decision is made really, but no, I have lots of 'stuff' in every category.

Two weeks in a camper van in the south island awaits. The weather could do anything and everything and probably will. Queenstown will supply anything we need but didn't bring (adding yet more to the 'stuff'). Will we spend a lot of time walking in the hills, glaciers and forests or will we be more sedentary and cruise the fjords and lakes. The big question however is will I succeed in task number 7. Going to try with these guys.

Tomato Soup

2010-04-17T17:52:00.000+12:00

I'm not feeling good, a combination of feeling very tired (though why are you not allowed to feel tired if you don't have children), lots of insect bites and being angry at myself for not being more organised.

Infestation of fleas at work - say what you want about the NHS, that never happened there, so lots of bits and now they are getting worse. has something uninvited found a place to live in my house, if so I'm allergic. An expensive trip to the doctor (think overall I'm in favour of paying to see your GP but it was Saturday so rather expensive). They may not all be bites, but rather an allergic reaction to the first bunch. Oh and maybe not fleas, maybe mozzies, who knows, either way, I'm reacting big time. Steroids....I ask you...but the reaction is quite severe and annoying. Plus some amazing anti-histamines that have knocked me out and generally add to crappy knackered feeling going on.

Panic over visa and anger at not getting on top of this earlier....flash back to feelings before getting out here...hopefully all with work out as it did last time. In the laps of timing and fate I guess.

So the pictures are to cheer me up and distract any possible readers from the whining, self loathing going on here. There are from a recent camping trip with some mates, and all round happy, good feelings time. I love camping.

I'm supposed to be packing for our trip away to the south island, I can hardly keep my eyes open, and am resorting to comfort food. So Tomato soup it will be. You see I'm feeling so bad that it's time to open the emergency Heinz tomato soup tin. You're suppossed to buy Watties here - sorry gues, I can do the bean, but the rest just dosen't come close. You can get Heinz here, but you have to know where to find it. So in organised moments I try and keep an emergency tin in the cupboard. It is the comfort food I always need. Once in Egypt when plagued with the essential dodgy stomach, I needed food (rarely am I so ill I can't actually eat), we hunted high and low. We were staying in a 4* hotel so examined all the menus at the numerous restaurants to no avail. Until a mind blowing discovery. Room service. So wonderful, even if this tomato soup wasn't Heinz, it was still damn close. The next day I was all recovered and ready to hit the city. So I know from experience that tomato soup is what I need, why then did I stuff a crisp sandwich prior to writing this post - who knows.

Maybe I'll report tomorrow on my state of mind following the soup intervention.

11/365

2010-04-14T17:23:00.002+12:00

11/365, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

Well despite trying, it's just not happening, so I feel a small note is better than nothing. My flickr addiction has led my to find a group/project - 365 mug shots, so I'm tackling it with a fair amount of gusto.

Mind you still trying to keep up with number 30, which is going OK (most of the time).

Why is it though, that all my ideas and loads of them at that, come to me when tucked up in bed and should be falling off to sleep. Yes a notebook might help, but I tucked up, I'm cosy and generally very lazy. But at night, in my mind, I'm eloquent, clever, funny and I can spell. Heh ho.

Getting there.....Coromandel catch up

2010-03-26T09:12:00.001+13:00

So all the way back in February, we headed off for a week in one of our fave places. Now the lead up to this trip was quite an event. We wanted to take the van, but the van needed new breaks, said breaks ordered from the UK and imported (strange but true - tis cheaper to do it this way than buy here!) Breaks fitted and all good..the day we are due to leave, Adam has to fit a panel underneath the van (I'm lost at this point) anyhoo he notices leakage - oh my - the break hose from the reservoir, this becomes a major thingy and even I try to help and get covered in break fluid. Thankfully a new bit of this hose can be obtained here so the next day Adam has it all sorted (secretly I think he likes it when things go wrong, as he loves to fix them). Off we go.

The Coromandel Peninsular is where we head, we spend our first night in Thames, one of the largest towns there. A small but just fine campsite slightly out of town - with the best recycling facilities I've come across yet. We have our bikes, so a trip round the town it is. To be honest this stop is all because there is a shop here we both love, we spend money, we have coffee we cycle back and relax. The next day before heading onto Coromandel Township we tour the goldmine and have a bash at gold panning as well as being generally fascinated by the whole tour.

Coromandel town is a fave spot. We again camp out of the town, at an end of the road campsite, which is quite full. The Kiwis love to camp. We're right by the water and can watch the comings and goings of the boats. We read, we eat, we relax. Adam tries to teach me to fish!!! Again we cycle into the town and onto the Driving Creek Railway. All quite busy, summer tourists everywhere. We take a repeat spot photo and spend more time at the cafe of joy just down the road.

The van gives us more challenge and several garages our visited and a call to the AA. In the end Adam fixes the problem - at least to make driving on these roads safe - with a bit of plastic pen. I'm not really sure what was happening, something to do with idle spend. Heh ho, we're safe and off we go. Over the mountains, round the bends......

Arrive at Hahei campsite, pick a spot (ooh quite busy here too) get changed jump in the sea. I love a campsite by the beach and a great beach to boot. We snorkel at gemstone bay, walk with the crowds to Cathedral Cove (must come back again out of season). Eat lots, drink lots, read lots.....heaven

This trip marked us sleeping in van for the first time in years. Our VW is an ever ongoing project and has been curtainless for some time. Curiously I forgot some of the curtains but we made do and all was good. I had some initial 'oh boy I'm in a coffin' moment but actually it was all fine, we slept well. The trick being no sleeping bags, just sheets, so you do have more room to move.

Sadly we head home after a week of sun, sea, wonderful beach, reading, eating. All the joy that a holiday should bring. As in the UK, we usually travel out of season and although the school holidays were over it was still summer and still 'busy'. This gave us a different feel and we chatted to loads of people - everyone wants to talk about the van. I sent loads of postcards and as ever wished I could share it with friends and family, this little post will have to do......

Catching Up, Round One

2010-03-20T04:47:00.002+13:00

Yes, I'm a wee bit behind time with all this blogging marlacky, but with busy times and dodgy computers what can I do.This happened this time last year if I remember rightly. Summer you see, and time just flies.

So Auckland celebrates the chinese new year in great style. The Lantern festival blew us away last year, so we were keen to go back for more. All good again. We went later in the night so the crowds were huge, but we left late so traffic clamer on leaving (boy that makes me sound old and sad). Food was fascinating as ever and a good time had by all. Yet again I manged to refrain from buying any lanterns or other chinese items!!

Garden Tidy

2010-02-22T11:57:00.002+13:00

Time is flying and I've been meaning to write for ages but here I am with lots of retrospective posts needed. Yesterday we finished a run of three night shifts and nothing too excited planned for the days which then turned into on of those great days. Two wonderful skype calls, a bacon sandwhich and few hours nap in front of 'The Empire Strikes Back'. We then went and found a great gardening place.......loads of plants later, I spent the remaining afternoon and early evening tidying up my flower patch. It had become really messy and the pansies where making a take over bid. So a good clear out and random planting of my new stuff and few things in pots and weeding the path and drive I felt very virtuous (is that spelt right mum?). It is summer and the days are long and warm so eventually crashing indoors about 8.30pm, no cooking for me.......pizza delivery and a large glass of wine.

I've also put a few of our solar lights in so looks great at night.

A slighty different Busy Lizzie plant and an avacodo plant grown from seed.

The little bird brought on the recent trip to the Coromandel (more on that soon)

The gerbera (I really can't spell I know) looks a wee bit out pf place, maybe I should have brought more, but I loved this colour.

A beautiful smelling jasmine plant

Re-reading the classics

2010-01-27T18:55:00.001+13:00

Now I know we let to get out and about, travel around, see new places etc etc but there are times when you have to just stop. Spend some time doing not a lot, napping, reading. OK housework, shopping, fixing the breaks on the camper, gardening. In short, stay at home. There has been a bit of baking, the carrot cake from my new cookbook sent by Sharon is sitting right now waiting for the cream cheese icing to be made to finish it off. As for the reading, in the last few days I've re-read 'To Kill and Mockingbird', possibly my favourite book and Adam has been reading Treasure Island. Now I should have done some exercises, tried to get to that yoga class, at least jogged round the park, but no, not much going on here.

A second Christmas

2010-01-26T11:13:00.001+13:00

It's all been very exciting on the postal front lately. Now I've made no secret of the fact that I love getting post and I am very fortunate that I have many wonderful friends that generate a damn fine supply of post. Christmas postage is always a bit dodgy, so several parcels arrived after the holiday.

So my from dear friend Jane, a large box of goodies, including a fab pic of my goodson Rowan, (now taking pride of palce on my new photo holder), obviously some chocolate, handmade decs from the kids and a selection of bookmarks for my collection. Sharon, whose parcel we had feared was lost in outer Mongolia arrived with this book in - oh boy how wonderful. Jan, who, I'm guessing in conjunction with Sylvia sent me this CD. Sylvia had sent this one, all to remind me of a great night at Sarah's wedding. Last, but by no means least, a parcel of many joyful items arrived from Em. Check out the Etsy shop for a bargin yourself. It was a parcel of many wonders, badges, bags, books and Elsbeth, who Adam has taken quite a fancy too, but does call her 'cheeky monkey'.

Thank you one and all xxxxxx

Number 5

2010-01-21T10:07:00.001+13:00

So given my list of 39 things that I have done very little about so far I was very very very excited when a sudden change of plan regarding a few days off lead me to Solscape and booking a few nights in a tipi. Solescpe is an eco resort and sounded wonderful offering various options in terms of accomadation. We were to stay in the tipi retreat.

It all started to go wrong with The Big Day Out. Obviously allergic to festivals (really a repeat of Glastonbury), I wake with a puffy blotchy face and feel terrible. Adam drives to Raglan and I sleep so I feel a bit better on arrival. It's a nice 2-3 hour drive. The scenery is great, more mountains than I expected, rolling greens and natives trees and a huge huge beach.

The tipi retreat is a good 5 minute (uphill) walk from the main area and is secluded, lush, quiet, lovely. There are 6 tipis, and ours (of course) is further uphill. We have packed fairly light but I have of course brought plenty of food. Fully equiped kitchen is not quite how I would cover it, the main problem being no cold storage and it is very very hot!

I had booked a shiatsu massage for that afternoon, which was without doubt one of the best preplanning I'd done in a long time. The treatment are is in a secluded area of the site and is a small room built into the landscape and looks out onto the glorious views. So listening to the orchestra of birds and animals I succumb to bliss.
A quick exploration of Raglan and it's back to try out the wood fire oven and make pizza. Much more difficult than Jamie makes out but it tastes great.
We are bitten a few times by the prevelant mozzies - the composting toilets may be eco friendly but they are very mozzie friendly! The next morning after smiling at the thought of actaully sleeping n a tipi, I wake so swollen in the face I don't recognise myself. I have been bitten alive and really reacted well to most of them.

I survive another night and then we move. I tried. It was beautiful. I loved the outdoor kitchen (if only it had a fridge). The main area was more backpackers and the kitchen there was possibly the worst designed and equipped I've yet to come across at a NZ backpackers. The vibe was good though and our last night we were treated to some surreal entertainment and tried our hands at walking on a tightrope - takes muscle as well as balance so I was useless.

We loved loved loved Raglan. I was down and depressed as I felt so terrible but I persevered and played in the sea, managed to get my hair cut and brought a very expensive pair of trousers. We had lazy days and really relaxed. I finished my book in two days. We came away rested, more tanned but we still haven't tried surfing. I was possibly slighty dissappointed by the tipis, nit helped by feeling so ill. I think I need to find the full on live in tipi, these had your bed in and that was it. I want the fire and the whole mallarky. So the search continues, but I can at last cross one item off my list.