flight home....

I flew out at 7am, so had the early morning colours. Was a great flight - with some stunning scenery.

Story time..

Evie reading me a bedtime story....
So cute, and great reader too!!

The Easter Cake

This gorgeous creation was our dessert on Saturday night with the photo of the decorators above..... we all brought curry and stuffed ourselves. It was lovely. Hilarious conversation - but no game was played. I need to go down again!!!

the hills are alive with the sound...............

The view from Jiljanes house. I could quite happily sit outside and watch the ever changing picture - especially at sunrise and set. My first year in Christchurch, I lived a little further over on the hill so I had a view of the sea and the alps. It was amazing! I could lie in bed and watch the sun come out of the ocean in the morning, and then set over the alps.
Gordie and I joke about finding another house up there. Not the most perfect of houses, but he still declares I was the best flatmate ever. :) He wasn't bad either... even brought me flowers for cooking him dinner... was quite the deal.

Christchurch - Botanical Gardens

The Peacock Fountain - only, there are no peacocks on the fountain, and would
you believe the fishy looking creatures are supposed to be dolphins. Very creepy looking dolphins.

Christchurch - JJ and CJ

Jiljane and I standing outside CUP. Managed to stop giggling long enough for this shot. :)

This is where I used to go every Saturday morning when I was living down there. If I'd had the week away, all my friends knew they could come and catch up with me there. The view is AMAZING!
It's been sold twice since I left, and is now a tad too commercial for my liking. In fact, if I still lived there I'm sad to say I would have to find another Saturday morning hide out.

Christchurch - Catherine and Kids

I met Catherine back when I was working at briscoes.... ahhh, the days. She has since become a wonderful and ever wise friend.
It was great to see her and the kids. Gorgeous!

Christchurch - Andy

Andy and I.... catching up at CUP on the hill. Candice was off at a rehearsal, so I was thrilled that Andy came anyway. We were up there for about 3 hours, and talked about way too much girly stuff for him. But it allowed him to put off building the new wood shed. :)

up, up and away.....

It was the balloon fiesta this week..... and for another year I wasn't part of the festivities, which breaks my heart.

Ballooning is still the only thing I jump out of bed for at 5, eagerly.

Why do I let these things which I consider a passion, and yet I manage to let them slide on by.
It's sad and a waste.

So - how do I make life fit around the things which make me smile, grin, laugh out loud and better than that - mixing with the people who have a bounce in their step!!

I need more of that.

balloooooooons......

balloooooooons......

balloooooooons......

tiki tour

Alas.... while I took the picture the swing was empty - but as I walked over to enjoy it, some kids arrived and were quick to jump on.

I thought it looked like the most blissful place to spend some time.

signs of summer...

I'd been waiting and hoping that the sunflowers would appear again this year....
they are so beautiful and cheery!

at Waihi...

Adventures.....

Amazing mountain - Maungatautari

where they have developed these great pest proof fences to help re-establish the original fauna and wildlife.
It's a great spot to wander around.

whakatane....

Taken from half way up the hill... there's a cute lookout over the township. Was a stunning day to be down there checking in on everyone.

back in the land of reality......

~
The weekend was super lovely!

We visited several vineyards to eat scrumptious food, and drink fabulous wine in incredible settings. It really was all about eating, drinking and laughing all weekend.

We wandered the town center in search of all things girly. :) And while we were all fairly restrained in purchasing - I had great fun looking at things.

I did manage to order something for mum, which we saw when we were last there a few years ago - not bad planning for September.

Oh - and other big news... my brother got engaged last week. They had originally thought about having the wedding in Rarotonga in August - but it sounds like it will be closer to home in Septmeber, which still doesn't leave them much time to plan a wedding.

I'll be back to post photos later....

Peace and Joy!

xxxx

New Plymouth, Taranaki