tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32021022395424656182024-03-06T00:12:05.734+08:00Marion's MahemMarionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-46651760513241985682014-01-03T20:13:00.000+08:002014-01-03T20:16:44.678+08:00Bad, bad blogger.I have not blogged since the holidays last year, but I needed to be able to post any art works I make as part of Jump Start 2014. The first video used a Gelli pad. I have been wanting one ever since they came on the arts scene. As I needed one today , I searched on Pinterest and found a recipe for one that should last a while. If it works I will make a set for school. I think my students would have a lot of fun with it.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5964641774826374770'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7Esq5RINfvtSybLxVgBpHIad7FBIqWxKNHNLSYpNyQ1imjIjSe6ja__TVouhGsqFQbLGProctXOJJ3EJ60ViMqpGl7QRq3T4VcetVLlMQeXeO2OaH956xLqKIxcK1T8Cvgn6wn_qqpU/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5964641815107835922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAv3Pt09ODoTwWxU3fKGBJV1uiBUV0ICkOlYoVBkesfbk7xCTi3cQ78Om4RZRJ165QQBom1yyYLzxaqfcbW5XeuXB-KrVL39Dgr9f2AFLJOiGpacLtQ6wNqYIh3CrWl09_cBMa2sBwEU/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5964641849843213474'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLyo6QjEUFFLj8kMgrGGb6f332FPaxwhTL1FcXyMDVhiEa6-C_q6bQ2PyNhT2q7c-Q6rFDOSNKahzAEeGK4z31ma8H365CXWcKccINE-o9MP9ihUHgzqDqiWlr0uTbLTeSgx4vOkn3aI/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I managed a few prints using some found items and a stencil.<br /><br />Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-14235117617817226552013-01-15T12:59:00.001+08:002013-01-15T12:59:38.112+08:00Happy New Year<br />I can't believe how bad a blogger I have been.<br />It is time for a bit of a catch up. I did enjoy working in my sketchbook and art journal with directions from Junelle.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5833535737161846402'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu0sNKLb1s2ENnAxTAvwT7jTm7fcrBvaJm2gkglj2oUBF8mpGj2w4RJQjCE6JZjoSjAxdeX5qcT92o-AZ8LF6kQLslQkTnaF0qLyxoiHyWwjqf_aWDEm3z4hz_kVoe1yOKPa-_i-g33w/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5833535817634676738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DdAJPRWDXs7mb1TZxH1Iw8oN-9Cey-tXZG0J3ymZEIBzLMybs5IJr0LotlwLtJhehQwkXETkLjVPFknxwB2cRRKrChhqpvrhhBw753Dohh9OtM1XiOlMu8o0iUZqgaw1n12Eu26lQoY/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5833535897053003874'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigs_lwxPrAAKe8sPf-WgLPVpS18PNcM032B0kE3zEWU9u6LD_DAGwlLJVotsBEKA3rDe2jKKsOr-PjgWrg46ZpDkgHt-pZejnnKqLcIW9Q8ml7kCa-SUNE5HJdC9XjHMnD5KmkoeQa_I0/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5833535975283759762'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuLjjf4w_D5FABZH7dA0he36Q4TH-QU_aeh3MmV6MminfLrXqhp7BQmtCZMOWPbjZLnqavBo-SLpz0iB-rtsnig_GtYct534znXItf3ZMHTidpoghhJ8sOhk2ebdQLQaSmSD-h022S5Q/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These are some of the pages created during the course.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5833536039911454178'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzV6QO4DcBG3ZfvdJv0bDiJqAar6YdB7XCJdatS0dgxhuhI_ZOPf4zKZiygcQ4vGWwzWrRzgwSlxjg2xU6C0nkhC0xFz2zMz7S_PeyLvLBE_AR3u6pX4gHTiA9P4R7amQyupFsxvtqu9I/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I also signed up for a Christmas decorations course with Christy Tomlinson and friends. Here are a few things I made.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5833536134667173490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiq4WKXivp27oxZpxzYZ7aib1h9xX7mnbeuTcxgzIAErGJOgDiz9_d-eot1nOQPcDt_hBgKftEdj1IY9LYRcUUGiRDZazoy-r2PQi2FRzStjqBONVgvU1KtH35Mx-8AmJD-4a7bOMsNA/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This my latest page.<br />I am not creating much at the moment as I am having a major overhaul of my craft room. I have found things that have not seen the light of day for many years.<br /><br />Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-32135616050318442582012-10-28T09:10:00.001+08:002012-10-28T09:10:48.841+08:00Bless this Mess<br />This week I started an online course with Junelle Jacobsen and Christy Tomlinson. I signed up for this late one night while I was at retreat and have been waiting anxiously for it to start. When they say it will start on the 23rd, but in reality it doesn't start till the next day as the time difference is about 16 hours.<br />The first weeks lesson revolve around breakfast and autumn leaves. Sketching and painting with water colours on gesso is what we are practising. I have always drawn, but I find that I don't do enough actual drawing. So that is the focus of the lessons. Here are a few of my "works of art".<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5804161238778267154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh369GaEzjyCopMZlvKATYIYKSO5lXIZPtXIfrJovLpm8yJqt8rBAnXvOfwQ2d9FFzE6w4WCPWKaWgaG9udS2Fi6KcO-s9xMp3H3n2_uo_gCG-_SpQPUu31uyIRXn7CMWxp3UhR4t2LrO8/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5804161306928546514'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVuTU7IEiv6OV_fMdbYsWUHjDNZiKtWvsoRtCJqK347FtAjNKoQmsyeFgWdMrW6BFS81BSp5gyUfTPX7o3U8gW3MlhGX6r6fr1Lm-1FJuALfjb0znbEfiRZz79CXnD7u8gCaAO4jgQqc/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='249' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5804161375668970754'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qEMhNm1D63M1X30AaeBMLUDSimtYpe4vYe3eZptSQtLGA_GeT0uRmLW9OLQFA4rs_ibxo9gR0jf1cXODxKXRoFMjxlQpK-g73h0OmfWye6gPOgb2qTBno2AyoUsbygdS49F-IxHVnGQ/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5804161442048130178'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWFRms8NB3Ncp_Q9mmXaufcsUMcHfAP_IztBHOtcooem7QHNrrU72PGrqSJjLtaUUzxA0KwFd7kd0TJx7b0lUjB0U-aDPcxCXKa9ST80yiWzWTGX-FxbWPGBjf4Cb8HRIHmgsFOem60c/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This the title page of my latest art journal. I am using a hard covered book that I bought at a library board of WA sale years ago. I am using a lot of gesso to prepare the pages for drawing and painting.<br />School is busy as usual, but this week will see the final preparations for our fun fair. I am running a craft stall and have been making things with my students to sell. I wonder if the book stall will have some new art journals for sale. Lol!<br />Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-37481845105449812742012-08-12T10:33:00.000+08:002012-08-12T10:33:19.419+08:00Home again, home again, jiggedy jig.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been home from our trip for nearly 5 weeks, so I thought i'd better do an update. The flight home from Melbourne was very disappointing as we had an older aircraft without individual entertainment screens. I had planned what movie I would watch as it was an afternoon flight and I would be awake. Never mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also missed out on some duty free alcohol as we forgot to buy some when we landed in Melbourne.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I was on hols in NewZealand I signed up for an online class with Nic Howard. I was itching to start while we were in Melbourne, but there was no time or materials to work with. here are a few of the layouts I have done so far.</span><br />
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The course is called Dimensional Details and is found at Big Picture.comMarionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-48138541246161299062012-07-09T20:31:00.001+08:002012-07-09T20:31:20.200+08:00Monday 9th July 2012<br /><br />After a breakfast of pancakes with maple syrup, we caught the tram that went past the zoo. The weather was still dry, but it was overcast and grey. As it is still school holidays, there were a lot of families with children in tow. Early in the day a lot of the animals were keeping warm in their burrows or sleeping areas. The cages had wire fronts so it was difficult to take photos. Luckily other areas of the zoo had more modern enclosures with clear perspex windows. We did not get to see the butterfly house as it was undergoing renovations.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146019407711490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnq11DyS_1NhDdzwZlc-t6c1H8UWletiKaYsiiCmAIoNK2DsbNZLZSqYSCieKKxttxUS5RI7dDBaCaBjrI0lkIFcQ7QVEksYKkP1gKZvqqfkJ9SV4Gh186KYjca5l1aYuDHj440WHBgw/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Water hens roam around the zoo.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146055714714722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu-bJy5Dw2YhLvltRlitIFRv788_eZCfFV9AbyQM0hy7hFX1k6m9yUeNrwk_tn8odIkWfrEpfsWbB4FUnKY3tEawYcgv4MP6ugTSE_31sp5ZXwBQ2hdcYLWqQ7LuZkNPNGRYeD3Zmr-E/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Meer cats.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146097738501474'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3LsThHnWyjT3ORHMoJLjapAFBkadoV7jPndr6EodDFY7OAwMfIp1JuL5qJ6t7eBtjYadgrdM1xNmdqoE-VXKAA32KN0C8shPCKhVbvC-M025sR0bjPPMIIv2jlpXX4ELEgLx8pHPVA4/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146133311522834'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H8iKRGY70eskSf6B8dfHwz-Kv-P-UaeWaTTpxSW9YTm6dL3lGsvo0wB-aUm51frmEn8zxkR9poZajP7HY__RsuEYyzcVQH3PNhanTG-7A0iabIPPGQBXTiblVfVFSVC5SlyPvf9CGsY/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146170524714274'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoly2b1qwwHppvWxwIoIYDsd-Xi5i3cDVenZz3Hx12U9DOg7dNaNnq8JIN2gN2vM_bTJg7gPx0q838TpX47zevaOWhTp1tdF7HIiJNVLdadUTbHIVlQiVe5idxbk25J3B8LE8OfDWGiI/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146211469403458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXIA21SQ5DizKl6Zf9iVZPyobDOQ3xVQ9xoul_IV3-Z27jPrL5MwIKQKANzEFMvb0lKYvkSsHbKTcTgOctUdDQQ8g-aT72KF48_MnGXtrj-k6iAzjXw5fTNMJcrdVR9nh56UezuFJ-Gs/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146245102749042'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYTbatktDPpW0HBm5SMgRQhllEOSwleJqoOAeppy9I_XvICS3RrTEg-zCIsrHhJBJNy5XK9Cg_M4AYpDylsL1eldqXoDGKUenlrFjikYA14wFrXAPpvd6-zQmI9XhmoedVqaYHT7HZpM/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146284599505298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ81QC3lAUZrnPN7bAcMhC9UaQYpE4-_H8kUDAIvLF_dgDvVC7MqR1iQKwn8ze-UQKSMNyAKW8na2gkCj8pMpwKriflGClmBBPp-VcGGIHnyfn9oxeD_5Smxb4BbLUBj3yRAvvSMHauM/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='268' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146324362089250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzR6KLMgkN-QjjXC7VXlgTFlBQhOiUPhwIW0VSmdHAxiynjrX8jZ_VFPevdViT8wJwiR1wzi-ESqPH-2bv1sGqCumdI1TtLKgG7MKpslg55pP1O0dWHz1JlAyLMk4uC4hZSwxakSp_kE/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='322' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5763146364152457474'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPD0RMVyZrrInLFsPVXnZMVgyePaYHC1dPGDhDWDf1C54CW5gfy0AF7g5u84IELDP6fpS0f9PRwwmmpQUkosA7BrVXvcI75sEFORf-9Fz3PtlrHMNn6nGu7HBkDtkAkdDQ3aP1kg02wE/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='331' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We headed home by train and tram, uploading some more money onto my Myki card to pay for the trips. We had a lovely meal at the restuarant and then I headed up to repack our bags, while Kevin went out to take photos.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Melbourne&z=10'>Melbourne</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-17765337849985400872012-07-08T19:53:00.001+08:002012-07-08T19:53:15.164+08:00Sunday 8th July 2012Last night we went to the football at Etihad Stafium. We went by tram and train. Our seats were right up the back of the lower level and we discovered that the gates were right behind us. It was freezing as there was nothing to stop the cold air on our backs. We demolished a bag of hot donuts, a coffee and a chocolate bar as we were so cold. Saint Kilda won the game easily as Essendon did not seem to be able to get through their defence. It was great seeing Ben Howlett playing.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762765216028729266'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGibL602N-kHv6lljfG4vKsuzZnnfa2FcPMc1N-3kIhBEl49f_5gFp7x7xrN7oNWAvNdxCx2ObeYCVayK4Ihz1qUZka6eHUlj949Dt_Rvl6md5Tjh2ZoeK8UEFtLt6MmlhwAlgkmLVjYg/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />When we went down this morning to have breakfast we saw that the Giants were staying at our hotel. Chris went to see them play against Hawthorn this afternoon. We checked out of the Sebel Hotel and took a taxi to the Mecure Hotel in Spring Street. It is nice and central and will be great for our last days.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762765259722494866'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mHctfzHLlXdbmM0te2HWyIlv6bFjnREqqmgNp73n4UxkrDWwX_mP9ElQk8Ry5Ro48ql6gXnTPei3vuRHr-FB59JMN6YELboXyZpvWzkIKhM1eZpMDKDBst234JgAY-LdQ01TBRiWRmk/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762765293499320514'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2x2sJHtYcFwSfJEYQhWt8XtxcESMye-aBrhmc4mQ2PstzFHU0mi1mm5fdJR1aGcq7aIkB6F7S9sKTqQWPuuW3dQIX91avqoYdQgywhqxeZ9JqPrszMUMIc1uZ5OFYRJ5NQBVHTpizko/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762765331806416786'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlizbcmOWri2zYX77EhF0t8EUrQmOq0bA6qXXIeLGnITdoviujBkJf5icSIXWWVMd_p6p7jdU7bYU_NGQUgH72LvSmSe9QPbCu9Ls6fkYaQeXs8EyL4b3OjWnpdCAjPLckEMAcyk6DnYQ/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After we checked in our bags we went down Flinder's street and met Mike and Louie at Elizabeth Street. After a long walk through a rabbit warren of arcades, lanes and cafes we settled on a food hall. After eating we walked over to the South Bank and had a coffee and macarons at Lindt. We sat and talked for quite a while. We then went in search of a new bag to carry our extra baggage. We got a duffle bag with wheels for $60.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762765376617390610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuROL6wqdjc-3fWiqH0OSzF3FNY6yXbiUgPpSyscmW3h0pCb3ukV6gTWwoNzqokYwgLmK5_se09EYVCR32HDyHV77fER2DYaT3Ac6-r_xAcZzSLQHbYSmmx9HGps4SkI6Uz4fG6VW3-I/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762765410926950498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWYbFHE2F4B-Uz9W55ejjjtuPqib-vpf1x7mJ3Sh1H_C_7wl7OZXsiTIQX_K8VMeUHbDoUVUIpgK4UC09RNjLQeU3D7MC3yNqc-ZuY3Q8ud1Q2EYfH2d_VE-9JF0VjrwVRkJXjfd8USE/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762765455327310034'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WpHAN3Bx_VAt_rDQIxEFk4_BDNd13KoUP8RiizFhinPW58k8QLIQA-_WE9jz0R6Nlcnb30sEYn909dpsgc9SxtvApe6RIMDuGaSrv1uwlaKQAyxaS_1rJWdvTZCK-3WJlEbwPMqmEgU/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As my feet are complaining about all the walking they are doing, we cut short our evening photography, had tea and then went back to the hotel to watch some telly.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Melbourne&z=10'>Melbourne</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-58289230523187075232012-07-07T15:54:00.001+08:002012-07-07T15:54:59.408+08:00Saturday 7thJuly 2012We explored St Kilda this morning and had breakfast at Rococcos in Acland Street. I had the best buttermilk pancakes with berries, marscapone and pistachios.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762332685972578738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_qvhrK41gMsv59BM5cFYGSFvR1VCcIY1TWoQNHDLk0faD2Ib-zl90gfw0e7lwOGM5WVSJXXg8BxJ_XI2dBg9JxbkM4TxGfP2bu2Mp13U46Jn0XdzV7gBQUw7oeidNvD-lcZh_C-fdVw/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then took the tram back into the city for a spot of shopping. I found a great shop called Typos. I picked up some scrapping papers, alphas, alpha stamps and some washi tape.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762332736435941442'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEU3sqMvEp9Pafsz9Q7vAjO4wl387A3NywFSWY1ed9PVksfgGzndpsWSrZWO1UIzbNrQj2QlatM6SU_PiBT96ccxReGOv3RubcW93yvAlkDsHPl9MHyoF_d3qnQp1MAyQHIPHHD9FWKg/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kevin and Chris looked at some magazine shops but didn't buy much. We then took the train around the loop to the Southbank where we joined the locals for a walk and along the Yarra River. The weather was beautiful today, so everyman and his dog was out enjoying the sunshine. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762332803343080258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv8bRgMjDeub5zEVbOQKeaCCo1C_TNCCf6gB2I2VYBxzt_2YF4JFZUxAlLPyBWEwvLkIOcoLJN3BQ4xljZS7P_Fr58FBnDDywQ1ySYW2bPkvAbcyeL3kXnNODoSevUS59jc0YMk-HlAE/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='268' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Pavement art.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762332877376623522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv26Cv1rkhRxzS6MZ_mynbVa3IaXNTWg50riRGLbQjD6PqKnGHAd9coxyOkVL8KYsEQM3TnFaTkHEbOdOGD938t_22D0UrKNtUVKOElo4ehRiuvC0YG2lbg15a2m0jIr1PMt3bTMqGccE/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sculpture on the broadwalk.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762332924147245714'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADrELBz6LWWzPvsG44IluKLMQiD328QDoojm5w5pQzp-eJ-Dhdj_jo8PZq2Q9jrPZAHj-WMmJJgmDuYPlyLd3kkNTRYrgER7ogxQvkd-DvRMpN4OUd9c1XFuPAy4QndqPGXvto-c-PPE/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Artists plying their skills.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762332970184535762'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xZZJxP1TsuX6fKPFMi28jjZ3dAktCT4RV-AaJpMlgq0AG8iXtD2nARJZ6Al7jPbvU0IdQnLGNA0lYP7j1oCSYbxiy8T_GpxaNtreSw6_moBAMZ1ccJOE0rRtjFyYVt4K8njVNXmtbLc/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The view from the hotel window this evening.<br />Tonight we are off to the football to see St Kilda play Essendon.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Melbourne&z=10'>Melbourne</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-23780654842491007892012-07-06T22:23:00.001+08:002012-07-06T22:23:10.587+08:00Friday 6th July 2012We set off very early this morning to avoid the traffic. We stopped for breakfast at a Maccas on the way. We arrived in Geelong at about 9am and we did a ticky tour of the sites, including the Geelong Football Club, the pier and the botanical gardens. The art works in the steampacket gardens were wonderful.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762060895092815810'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIHNA8MS0l9Ryh4HIxb8_irZ3n_00aaBUX6f13lwDX7g41iL4TrGfyZX_dqSSFTHEGXmzWe4GAByHuNOWO-fYsi63MSVRxbte6BchhceTPDCm3Wwj5EIy7M7-szPh-wjrZFxDXXtvZeg/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762061023595454946'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNztrCL21YrZAqZrcL756WpEw9UY6Ww6nuTgA9AjDS1H1QXY8khUcbDQCBw_k4t016MvzEVkvdsDhJLrefhwOXMO94YWg1FfBrAIcI-1RVHNXYW8Wr4sLowOJ1tkHX7Fdpsk-Xmxm07U/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762061216274720738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BsAk6VIzmTOSQVPsPPc72SEFhqQkznW4MNZOvYTVrrupzWxf8AFnueVrNKd-S_fmYS0ruWAKS7AUEJRCgowWHRWyX-4ctBN2NKG8ZQUSsnC8xLC7AqIenJNObMVbl2zvDELqbheZ_rA/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762061813867044946'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi8ZGmRG9ws02XkWZqG39k0MNJtwqiHCIfiF1ypPzOPipGSu4IyREVxLuF0IPo2yaKDS6GHgnFexSHgj1J9JKG01X1ECaDnzuR9fXzOb5Fcz1ZvB30ifyVjY0fFgLm5HD6G7XdsZ2uXw/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762061870560944594'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME6FcsAl1I5AuBFLJraLIBCXyaTNJxiMSWMOZvCc7T9oCGBc1UIMtRxIP-2tiyt9U6ZcbJxAhYBdfTtLTwbCJIioTE3Zf7UkgTNmi83wvAFBFMmAwTqI6Ym7p0-lIDFsGFwpsCx-zfzE/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5762061918373182994'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy4_vLn5kUEP0SQV967mQH3Gnuj2eMlLphjtIybQ9iYtG2p7kDU9pHabpMyf0y_vPH0eZ6t9IAS-ZudR5mvvlVTSKr7Iz3YPi_dH5VQfBWeacOBWkqEogCDodJH4_TWt2Lb8__uDOVjI/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='268' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We stopped at the Ford Discovery Centre. I decided to miss this and sat in the car. Eventually the boys came back and we headed off to get some lunch and return to Melbourne. We did stop at another model shop but left them all in the shop. The drive back into Melbourne was quite difficult as the GPS sent us the wrong way a couple of times. Eventually we arrived at Loumik Design to visit Kevins brother and his partner. While we were there I checked out a wool shop and Kevin spent a lot of time and money in a bookshop which specialises in old motoring books. He was filling a box when I went to see what was taking so long. He organized to post them to Australia for us, so we did not have to pack them in our luggage.<br />We caught a train back into Flinders station and a tram back to the hotel. We are now owners of a MET card. After a quick refresh we were back on the tram heading to the MCG for our first football game between Carlton and Collingwood. Carlton had a good win. We walked back to the tram stop with the crowd and then caught a tram back to the hotel. I was eying off a seat that had become vacant when it was time to get off. Today has been a very long day.<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Geelong&z=10'>Geelong</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-13451762183905851592012-07-05T21:19:00.001+08:002012-07-05T21:19:00.824+08:00Thursday 5 th July 2012Our first full day in Melbourne was busy. Chris picked up the hire car and we headed into South Melbourne for breakfast at a gorgeous little cafe called "Cafe Sweethearts". I had poached eggs with bacon on rye toast.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761669679114686594'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBpr3l1uSddtWyhbV96VdxQk2crbtiTbIO6y_TdP9ZFhrzI0aPESC3xQOXNFUvbNjjcJthyW0vHNqvLBidjPpQHgkT_r_kn18_PJ7NbzVsIYpskmKF7vIRPBze8usxWOwmIp20waxMVU/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then we went in search of some motoring icons. First was the Albert Park raceway used for the formular one race. Then we headed for the Holden headquarters to look at the display of concept cars. It was right next to the Kraft factory and there was a distinct smell of vegemite in the air. We walked up to the Holden entrance to find that it would not be open to the public until 10.30. We did not have time to wait so had to miss the display. Kevin took photos anyway.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761669730655647106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDAZwbV9WK3mF91vSV8ExwSIoPRn_n_zP3bsU4Qe5KwUCzNOI_IJ7hQeO0yLdl2sbp-v7ht1j3WXLZYGYhxRpUgotpEhqaPYgKMrSDa_oZH8jAGrBHw_NTL68R_SnUSTYoyEMlQgEnDI/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We eventually headed off for Phillip Island passing through suburban melbourne on the M1. We then turned off onto the South Gippsland freeway and headed south. It was rather hard to see anything as we travelled as there was a very grey fog. We stopped for a late morning tea at Caldermeade Cafe and Farm.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761669776289535202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQFDwjFWjVcdeJTz4Mu3JvWvN_f94CcYtzvAwmnXZRKte4evbfmXn88LzQbA1HanFwKP_x9dBnieeoa7UWb3yuMoHXYjvlSO1hvL9MCh8lRDmWCRSUU3BEEFXDFvWv9FSUjTdClh5Hw0/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='263' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We next went through Lang Lang where Holden has a private testing facility. It was well hidden from view. We arrived at the Phillip Island track at about 1 pm. We had a look at the museum and the gardens and then headed off to look at the Phillip Island Nature Park. There was a very well built wooden walkway which gave us great views of the ocean and Round Island ( Nobby Is). There were fairy penguins in their nesting boxes and the fur seals were out of view on a rocky island. On our way out we took a track around the coast and managed to see a few birds and a local wallaby.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761669826199993394'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3j6Ci5dr5WJtYa57tAYjB4zMU6kaQBCTn7J6JwhyphenhyphenMPdrtTl-yh0TndHckfIQP4DyRg7mwh2JY4tz5jljvNLyVBAs_wH69oLU8HOvNpKSAI5Ag1rRyksrXCr2XHL2wpD7-xTVSKQJAYc/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761669879650594706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5klxMx4URVI7AnWTrKhyphenhyphenTG_tKnLHbQuBs6SBz2vZDnIYY9JDqUCaiymtFInVChx33xXRnN-D77FKcRr_FpCPiSCF04qriDQgviLYmGJp_Gfx8z6xukk5z-m_s3p75bFHefoe318wfluU/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='302' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761669921117136786'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqEdkUI3sM70kf0jM5Sb2xO1QdFXsNnrPVBM4FSxFqi7CJ17FN50zO4ZE-m4bDgFsFUnRKDx8lo_FIrT_C2Gad6jvdWnZzQ0aLCVPZYlkbiT3FGgywDXMchzzi1aAEybCgbBghfsAVWI/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='339' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761669965475569890'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CPimK-agIL4bSGujKkIZAMEGmLfNofZw8VK7B45prlgwfQPPj8xOc7zWjRViOapHrLZsKtQzaY_ANOWqEQfric0vthJtUM9Aa4Z9XLFuswXVxPbAGfecIp3DEvYM4XsM0xLsVIdS-i4/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We think this was oil on the water. There was a wide spread slick.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761670011014319538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Pzp6vKg_ZY1CCtTSitkMUAkbnxgbjrqoSrUBgfw8LlCRofTg8tVI9u_CNuZDDvuJbszMLdywBDZk9S3VJW3e-w7rXuKD9woBtJRGBQPbHfxCFIMdBWnptjpbHf5jTqi9TNEr1tGUjn8/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kevin was asked to take a photo of this friendly group of tourists. He only took one as the battery was flat.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761670059969087986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9G95a8JXkoNwmBS6hQo6Qr8r3G4rNdPc9NbHHhmXIoez27mazBGKKvV28a3rTpzr-lif_a66_EO9-vZpq8ubXom75t52Jv4yg8kKAOPQ6P2Qgz3lIVkb6be3JC3MoUtbC4Q5rCZIyK4/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='357' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lastly we drove on into Cowes where we had a late lunch of fish and chips. This town was similar to many holiday towns in Australia.<br />On our way back to Melbourne the sky put on a show.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761670103136634786'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJJ0vwfYJr641tyKGZiHT0dRGufb0lE51NKk0OV-T9jI2ccmGWpSvPiWAJQbmI22sBAyYWfYQTNY1BjvNfUvN_tAWgBeRqrp5D07VfknZYGkEd_mhcanKFHGXFgb6oKFVkM3FgiWN8SE/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761674298660646498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKxFZ9SbQWBLIBWpXpaKfApFY7nJW5IVTlBgWDlU70NfBRYgGiU3EQy6ztDobEVXT2MvgBID-KMLv7kM4XBGl9PzuSNorPIvbvlNsW6RzUGS-FrWNlx97mG-N2cvvsaanzkcZ77P6pU4/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hopefully this is a good sign for tomorrows weather.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Phillip%20Island&z=10'>Phillip Island</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-9954163017722512802012-07-04T19:29:00.001+08:002012-07-04T19:29:25.979+08:00Wednesday 4th July 2012Our last day in New Zealand was still grey and drizzly. We packed the car and set off to the airport, stopping on the way for petrol and breakfast. We parked the car and faced the barage of processes that going on a plane brings. Our bags were too heavy so we rearranged a few books and our toilet bags into a small bag and paid for the extra baggage. We got through customs without incident and then found a comfy seat to wait for the boarding gate to be posted. We used our last coins to buy a magazine or two and a coffee.<br />We were pleasantly surprized to find that we had a spare seat next to us,so we were able to spread out a little. I watched Downton Abbey as we had missed quite a few episodes and I had the chance to catch up. The flight went quickly enough and we got through the formalities easily. We caught a bus into the city and then got a taxi to the hotel. We are staying opposite Albert Park at the Segal and Citigate.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761274778310233378'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tyZFAHRRFd3WLYQJJ1CdFZOlHXHf9lRAf80vGAs1COiEOZt4W0ZApKc_kJpmLIItU3ip_Ez_c-I7xzXX9eTFdpg3XyKq9wEy86QVpGnTZc3Pk2mXXhZ9E4w474bnhvy5Bh3EjumU4Jo/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> We are on the 8th floor. I had my first tram ride into the city centre this evening and we had pizza for tea. We walked around for a while and then caught the tram back to the hotel, in time to watch the tour de France on telly.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761274825430889666'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtkI1rrjfMJVlMujRClrxAglHCg6ee21qx4UMo2Bm7fN_EDJvdcwD1uauN5tzHGIjrWVmbmYjG144piEaj2E1AMKcOh4V_qquTMbr31-JX6e_V189P-P1lBLgje3WxlyHL34IXx4CK2M/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761274878819379170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr8SuPRy3Y8aKm8MKTuPqkW7WLUt1MIIWRFtBxuup_bkV0_bMvwLl5had-abNUPv6VIT4DYY_xGqQfbB6JcxNoRi1JJOaZQGGEikHMpmGmM-KHtZaQsmKJgBqBOhSYk4Ibvaf5vbbs6o/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761274926309998530'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXzLiOCFjHnyFB_Ui2ki_SBlkLe_e-ZutuTimc_pBkc2jB6anowqHPMN_IgHX2CXje6yvDyyvB25wo19WyvKbSIURz5PX-AGq0XCGvF5vkxAIn3cPQSks6NcxuzXu_65Rcq23Ks3c66E/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5761274972666231666'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlsGw2pxORlcDO35DTtKv0UdThIuYCC503cS3qdTHzxB-qmAbOXK4Otpguk7KpCq-RR0dyuj7hyXHExBBeJKxI-954Xlfuy5gFJaRlk90-wCK1iyjyVoS-HqivdD0OLrCOz-rvOyknyg/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='282' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The city is busy even though it is Wednesday night. We could have watched the rugby match on a huge screen in Federation Square, but it was too cold.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Melbourne&z=10'>Melbourne</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-12255934832276452462012-07-03T14:46:00.001+08:002012-07-03T14:46:14.619+08:00Tuesday 3rd July 2012I awoke at about 3.30am and decided that the day trip around the Coramandel penninsular was out of the question. The wintery weather had set in and it was grey, miserable and windy when we got up at 7.30am.<br />After packing and paying our bill we set off for Pukekohe where we found a laundry and washed our clothes ready for the Melbourne leg of our holiday. We had a quick look at the race track and the surrounding farmland. After repacking our bags we headed off to Manukau City for lunch and shopping.<br />Then we checked on Google for somewhere to stay and chose the Grange Lodge Motel near the golf course. The lure of warm muffins was too great. We arrived in the middle of a storm and were met with umbrellas and a warm welcome.<br />We spent the afternoon on line or reading the newspaper. I am glad we had a slow day as we are all tired. I haven't even taken any photos today.<br />I did however sign up for an online class by Nic Howard which starts in a couple of days. I might just have enough bits and pieces with me to do the first LO while I am in Melbourne.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760830906252294722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OV3cLP9vJ-qPNWBJ3LFBVYSVlC-JBg8Z3aLkSCI31F3afNG7tQgI12_ReNwtdO4-EwQnkkl2sOlGQGGKc_k_Uv2SvnDuiyiFajykBHgUXh9J5KukQ_gCUYGYVxbPBJcbAJX-Nj0vAz4/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It is through Big Picture Scrapbooking.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Papatoetoe&z=10'>Papatoetoe</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-63614033248012113122012-07-02T16:31:00.001+08:002012-07-02T16:31:32.395+08:00Monday 2nd July 2012We woke to a minus 4 degrees frost in Ohakune. Luckily our unit was warm and cosy. Kevin was the only one who braved the cold for a morning walk to take photos. After breakfast we packed once again, checked out and drove out of Ohakune heading for Waiouru. We had hardly gone a kilometre when the call to stop came. It was a line of deer being fed hay.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486225591009154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkPVpmx32LcDttuCVmPAmrivc_YN0QkRpQUCKdF8FyXqJsze3eRbfXD6y0w5ZWxdg366rJL3WV14dAbMhlsivoLbQD_mCEC7q7uZT6h_zPmTeZAyL-I6yGMJ7fyR1uTJgebgbrzFaDYg/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I also took photos of the frozen grasses on the roadside.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486298107588754'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsB_d0ak3ULeS4QUZpPniRpkEIwpuilPZ3HG9hu6fNNziZcC4JYGDQ31I78Y4HesRTeiCOMtS8C2_CJfR83c4e2Vt6aCHcqAilT0_-MSCCJ3GSBafUJwIQCwSF6uWcDKqdatytGoaLpU/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The frost over night was very strong and there were lots of places on the road where the road was covered with ice. One car was driving too fast and ended up in the forest after going off the road.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486351942914018'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lofGptb1-hq_wK3NhNYW9qSvO9p8PNU8qS8qlSfbDtDUZS9WDrq55QZElEhjyZN_R5vcyKlrMdQYhfEHEjgCqu6KS2m2nLDkodnnrJoYyU13zP4cYZ9FEauX4IDUEJVgsn0oEydVFiA/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This was a timely reminder for our driver to reduce his speed.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486420185839762'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBThMYsYAMSUzr7VFAiROxzIWzksO_QAfmIepncDzcpenvn1tHz6ssi5gQHdM8IcFiLXzkQtEhykfEoFN0A1NzEjJyVJLjBVuNd9sdGS19j-hMmaJeMb5aTtj-EB3K0YsphwhZG8DEd-k/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We took more photos of the mountains as we drove along the desert road. The NZ Army has a huge base in this area.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486478091011314'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LOoeJLa2kKNgtqOdAvNIuVicRDf75S-rndLYAELaQxJtVv4U4c3OqTy5AWT6ML4q9JBONsoxNQFJQsp8lAtA5RHJshsw31dA0n2tXVscDd9VbYTK9G6mf5bcSDk0X2xQW5w9SMxKQAE/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The power lines in the area look like Aliens in the landscape. All along the road were signs of the last snow fall and the water was frozen over.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486524919805954'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hfyYkWV4jr3rP1DKxPmCoRS0DOtjsXKmW-rGNEs-0oJeYiJ-GUbtAYg7QgQuuqt3ywILnWXAj-CX05K7-5U8Ixs_dMyHFyDUrXMXG9-dhnS-cohNhHJ3ClfJbuKBw54kPkB6tiPh2LA/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We saw this helicopter carrying something in a bag land just near the road. Some vehicles were waiting.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486585333280226'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n4VE-6isHZXEWnBSaFktYnTZDGpAzqWERIVmVnj7rTp3hHYImDPy_qagMKgGGksgtJgIpuWpf3qja3z9jKCtr_mdX7bOXsQEndH7Z9lwnpMyUipFgg-wnX9VqJ9mADTqTymOZ2AoUK8/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After driving around the lake we stopped at Turangi for morning tea. The first two places we went into did not respond to our entry so we walked out. We finished up at Thyme for food which was really nice.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486866909534434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQmW9KUatcZeQfJ83jdkU4UXNF7P73pK1ftI1xUoP_fnkHCKk6JKXfHlDjL7pZmJBSaj8xDyrXiKxNrIOlHPrqpZUwqs1X2qLbNNw63vsM2Ju4bBAYTufEyybdKb-4tFyWhC905mhizg/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I had chocolate brownie with coffee.<br />Turangi is famous for trout fishing and we stopped at the bridge to see if they were catching anything. Chris saw a huge trout tyat was caught by one of the fishermen.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760486943041628178'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbNvG0Kcn-sHZLj4Y4rw42AxOfvFDtSkcw242gbcabtTNQFoDR9VXyo_rhzVr_W2eWSKS1iPW1ax8zfYxoRk4vZingsw0ZGi-mgiOVxKTt8iQl5gSH-kET-Eg7-x0KNE3FIU-jQ6sA54/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then drove on to Taupo where we dropped in on MIL for some lunch. Back on the road again through Tokoroa, Putaruru, Tirau, Matamata, Te Aroha, Paeroa and Kopu to Thames. The clouds were beginning to appear in the sky and it was a little warmer than it was this morning. We found a motel (Shortland Motel) for the night, settled in and then went out to find some tea. Pork roast was on the menu.<br />We only have one full day left for Tiki touring. I just hope the rain is not too bad. We have been spoiled with fine weather.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Thames&z=10'>Thames</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-36954782566478959562012-07-01T17:24:00.001+08:002012-07-01T17:24:11.424+08:00Sunday 1st of July 2012Today we started with a very frosty walk along the river that dominates Whanginui.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760128756581087922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqohesHZOAB5SdbKfjLcD6e4t4-vfD8uvjounQ77eCrOoenhsCo-TkqKWG5mgDx6fYOyEJ6sQUSN9zfvCaAfbXzK2bUmHDW-Cwl6Vd82Q7pCCcnwLQ-uQMYTv92C-1G5HMklgw-eJ2xCw/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760128816893361522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_KfbJQj1-CwsasdM0EqOCTuGSG-mXXLZoRT4X5W7yuN2_XcoBQEYDlewEdJianO-p39r7GaIc9zyDMacCV5eDqRfRer-KjU9GH3TCbAkUdEp22y-KAelfERrygX9COBLajM9W_JGoc8/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After defrosting the car we headed off for breakfast at Maccas and then refueled for the trip to the snowfields. The road was winding in parts and the frost continued.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760128865852013266'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQcOFYuTTI5X3YN6skWcL15ABHsEUfhQpMxu_ZKw7I-RSr79T9b42q9PbD6gZLYK-0BeVwDtuGEBYu25JMOBixZOtDNx0s-ddf0ZsjTNsAJukqNrlHjYdhB-cSXPooLpdlxulepvCrUw/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760128912199136098'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8kGLqIQ-DPmXJisZwSxd6aRp3Gbpzi435LdCXi-r_u8Rm6suBgxR0aQvGBrlZ1CPM2Oz69J7qmAFFqWW2HWMBBrHr07f-NQOIsD8xE-E9rlvxtLxoD2y0ya_GYvmT-TyzMPp2iImkjU/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As we got closer to the mountain range we stopped several times to take photos.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760128956273458178'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zfYuqNdxkhOKrcxuA3KFgGhJHaHubOfmzyesjWJhtK-rDE9jYY4dPxu2O4jQ5mPwSXSK0Fh-ZR9YGA_UhpNkid3zi2odymUiXPVh-SObBG4eSBsZmj4U2iUtv2VM2Vd6XiWHKl3GKdE/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760129011598323730'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdN1-glEGh53TXG-ihGHjBIlBMJ_PlMrHz-PEjjpMkm52ejDSZnp2rEqwXFXuDRi1UqKuNUo1j0bTHxDQTHG0Y2K340dEE8jLspz3rK_P1zP-Q5fcBe9gNyNzHKLipMsewS4ZgcOqG6OI/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760129064214624450'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxzGCCEeBhuD84TtepZ6NXo29FAdL1TZxSKWvsWWzsdvACsThycQlEL-oMHOweSN2AnI39S5OeFVFNHFIhFFInjxDZrshSIsQA6zOhP_l9ZvXT-92B12DcycpjzBa53bjAlOy4B6P0pw/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760129114607480386'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPETUg7YJObf4DgZI6QXI13GunFlEgbDyNKxlbc1zSQSo6DvnYeSJN5tV-LTVUcnf1NONM1cw8lINGw5RFXtX2c9tO88iZteBnU9xx8yA8aIGB-agw0_qz9EeCOmlf35JtLrGLzzPWcPc/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We arrived at the Chateau and then headed up "The Bruce". As the ski field had only just opened and the school holidays were starting there were lots of people and children enjoying the snow.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760129172600053490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxuIXck45iSTlfSls3tY7K5aBlLm1pTRr8AgecJNOKH4xr7TjhkgbWAWijr42HL6C6c2lTmEP7FNytQ8Nkkwzn95gwG7r4SohUATkpXj94eYu9JqcFrb49cgE1bZqQXyfWZkLuMEXLKA/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760129224263843538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hs61zFXs56kXHuD5o_IkNNGLepyQ7BzDgz0j1Ra_pfxb8gVAkERt8eglyAQyF7-5cfpU4PAt4scpp3DWUMgALGXgrMowizjChx_tVsgEZm14FsobnVO-VMlxSDieN9I15zjZFOGx2BY/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We got out of the car very carefully as we had parked on a large patch of ice. My shoes were not up to the task required. Chris changed into his boots. We walked up to about parking level 6 and then caught the free shuttle bus for a ride to the ski field. We had lunch and then the boys went up the chairlift to see what it was like further up the mountain. I sat in the sun waiting. After a while the cold started to seep into my bones. It seemed to be an age before they got back.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760129275691423506'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyz3p2W08jCwsa6mNbqi3pmshEB01qmwXjLHYILu7Xr4PNQRkmdf7WXLdP8U1i6_lY1aCIHIMWq-y7OhDsEmWJydndcgYoMROyNEtYW0fqaAtc_EY9dEEhg1uQkzFF43ixXzIZH5ZJgE/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760129330932294866'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2ok61_aHruBny-qiAH3I8J5tEfvTpLcXfENqNOjsdtaYMyp6orEYgcCe_4hOVKYkQnLpp6TfMOFeqynhhEIptiKYA_H3UsBRA5Cp8YHcVUVgDcKge8hykmO8-rzqIUYtQ8CMNi8_Nxs/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then set off down the mountain and headed back to Ohakune where we found a bed for the night.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5760129410455143458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyVIJUKhTLqrLzr1BC8IDmMMSw3Bj_kyL2JShbuc4tLxreFevRPZS9cO3xYqNd3A-kKDeazV3x7Wy_Yj_9gkvQmzmUSPmPJJlzo4OO5dPUwklIicobbKpCvOdkB9_-PhTcFyjMshRDsk/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had a lovely meal at a local restuarant and then headed back our motel. The forcast is for another freezing night.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ohakune&z=10'>Ohakune</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-86634299800589991992012-06-30T17:24:00.001+08:002012-06-30T17:24:02.302+08:00Saturday 30th of June 2012We got up at first light and went to take some early morning photos of the mountain. The sunlight made the snow look pink.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759757858156525954'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevYojkTWNFqD7ds4GdK5mmeJ6QbNGAxyDdLRKXdKxV3uTgUsy-tVssTmPm7cfQ7S2rM9aXrCxRs2gv-m99c3TmaZkjuTZRWNO6UsYKo0lJQ9Rv1Gpo2i-RNs9idBt_T9UoRcMRcbIbI0/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then headed into New Plymouth for breakfast at Maccas.<br />We had a quick look at the beach near the port. There is a very old swimming pool built in the 1920's.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759757915323139378'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkbKgHmeu46eq6dvwvbBQoBliZTEcuEAsG_R-dQD6qL8gjwIsy-kuKnZdcCjpNdXWiFuygiV1FvRW-1qses7QyHD6sKbRN4S6HiKEGUrEOGxZJbYeuaHGFSy6j8w0mD_iLvhlTI7Ng94/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then it was time to pack again and check out of the motel. Back on the road heading South towards Mount Taranaki, we stopped several times for photos.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759757959936313026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFescHVZm-NZNPFgfCQK2x4cMTNsGHhxjVsACCsbPCpqXlkSiOq1mmpU_Cd_QxDbufRlxHTGpiZtcIS0od6o3hlQFfOjU77uS9FY8Xex9XJE6tc6-xeGg-RAKqJcyg5GuZbdCC99fIeM/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We drove up to the information centre on the north face of the mountain. There are many different walks you can take from this point, but we only had time for a quick walk up to the monument commemorating the death of AH Ambury who died trying to rescue a climber who fell on the ice at 6300 feet in 1918.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759758010378774066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxGFUDmDnkzWjWd5-2c23MYR9fZ_00T7OPV-iNltmoq9HqTncL3aLCXg0mKl1k9Gr2jJVez_pYCi9VFStGk1tx4gE-ZaDjoaD0RGVb8kFmzlnWRi-IhiinbGs960ufsnvgrhm_BMDu84/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I then took the nature walk back to the cafe. This took about 15 minutes.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759758060663096290'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqCLprOO-qsm1WAXV6wKWH110HY0ymBBmhSzaPV_gUG9ETFHEA6cVonusm5gJTN38fLjadQNZj4wfKkvSJzr2UpkhZ1oDTHi3P5zvGvDAPEkhf5hAWMFsmLZ-BYLqhwLG0GCGOM3ff5I/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='268' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759758106871746258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTyPjhUCfQJ1_7UTuh-xyyvNylET2mqf_abPYBMGCBKLHpoaK31swd84Kj-hSu1gxWD-U5ZCxaWAZSax44j3nJGNoU-RUHAhxIEqWvtZzzQDYq64g5DJjzXV3urUN2ZiXWpN1QHbVx-g/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='268' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759758159269176834'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAD008mEp9ry7NBARMseQdNe0-N4lp_uGAhq0GzduWLCnT0TVKlxcTUOkELx_sQCZoDdjGrXOEnDsokMIPlKi2GLUgx91ZTP6o7STrjC8NtxHbUi3wNu_n64SmppltZCQy8NcGujlbfoc/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The ferns continued to grow despite the snow falls.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759758206411419778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILy4AveQ1RkYw4jbYeyrWDZau3ghdjioaqAJ_q0yQeUjiEKs0VO8K4VLrHpW6c6Lj2TihyphenhyphenoycTrtCT-PfN82mmtv6inaZ21rl3DaWGX_-555Tuz1qG8oZ127DVMU9ydj6ocUfJVrwNC0/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='268' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This beautiful sculpture hangs inthe information centre.<br />We then had hot chocolate before heading off South.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759758275020161938'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxcFax2LtT5kh1fLT3VPQ0QpkEs4suZlkx9C6khHvLU1FfIbIlsyQJceHw5QyiLyNkN6DcJfQEn5_QfciNn2W2Oi2rnXArZfMNVc_w5kuqDZFJOSZaq7CRuf_Y8zmjpwKcqctE00RpZg/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This view of the gardens at Hawera where we stopped for lunch.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759758322009605922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzljipjjT_5GmRovxCkuHYX-VRYIBoQ4zQq5_ADoCZiqCJ0vU3Sz80L_Ws_gm2_78wSi9uPgNk6tTMM-XGgJAl0qO1dwuSN0EzuIzFNCGZRasUrkp8kPCeI7So-dFLYkvv2JJEgkdHhJw/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I have always loved for get me nots. The colour is the most beautiful blue. <br />We are staying the night at a motel in Wanganui. We found an "English Pub" for tea. While at the pub, my phone stopped working. I rang Telecom and a very patient lady helped me work out that somehow my 3g was switched off. I do not know how I could have managed that, but at least it is sorted now.<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Wanganui&z=10'>Wanganui</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-48433521351703770572012-06-29T18:12:00.001+08:002012-06-29T18:12:05.298+08:00Friday 29th June 2012We packed again and said our goodbyes to Simon and Rachael. Then we hit the motorway and headed south. As the weather was cold and fine we decided to head down to New Plymouth to see Mount Taranaki covered in snow. We stopped at Otorohanga for lunch at Maccas and a quick look at the shops. I found a Buzzy Bee at last.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759399370336302114'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoN1-wL1_O-D2J0Eb2ejrrsL25JmefRU48cQPxfIuU7JA4IoX0rZhlV79gxlpbrYM34ZFGxd4QGPiCsNhP_VcZOpeKjrREoFmis91naHgH0TioGyxbOF-dG1iiaeBA_ex8yoGIbJBKLs/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='207' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then turned off to see the Waitomo Glowworms. The new entrance and restuarant is beautiful.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759399421227642914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODTJiUNkiU5x7WzxUBvtzG9WSYsXR7oQVTJ1D4IosX_l5a-GFzbuKlKjeeEVKpWkqw1u2wJjtIEOcBw_yNTq9NVa0ypBdi7_0gALepm7GuxUszYPRFGQhoD9vOcRbVqB_DRkEcrLy5qY/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then continued towards New Plymouth on some very twisty and winding roads.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759399475389292914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7fLylu7awo54yf4KSRKeZQ0j6QBw-qohbJQgb8ZJLfgl2dSkfxPn9sBocl1dofVnOTKAvM3tMHyyLou-YqJlQviRvEqlnBDMib6DwTq7oKlo3iadf0g4xwMLYV5EK2poMqlZp5Jq47g/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759399514612675778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uNFi2kdh4jv47RyamVJCu6O8pQBIxCaCD6v56PEKp-6qQz2wFzfJ1uAZ_bMsB4G5D3rszD8ZfDirswoJRkKhZ7DLJkBxhgh2oX7lBlap3mYxPyCSCULAtGAIxQdrUVHoL-KjSDdz_Fk/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This was our first view of the mountain covered in snow. It looks like it is rising out of the sea. We stopped at Mokau for an icecream.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759399563778019474'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4Z71Jlbw5Jw4cJpWj3ii3-83LiH5WV7bgdlxvNwSIkZMlbx3IbbBxnvdpxEZaSQNhaiyldnOCmFLvl6m54w0QZlHpTOJLHEMUkrAGsRJlBUisGYgkE5UYrb2rd89yJT64Okn3lHRUos/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another view of the mountain from the car window.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759399611046714482'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjim1Ynn9roXTJDM9rB2ws5B98Lwk53Us5gNiWz7x2703dV1unun24_ca77JyBAFPnr_-lKAfH-Zs5845ynluEa6AVWb8awX3ghB9KHGhnY-qK2O5IDeei9VJzcl1QQpP0_j7AeAi1YQ/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Waitara beach watching the sun go down.<br />We arrived in New Plymouth at about 6.30 and found a room at Aarons motel. After unpacking we headed into town for tea. We tried one place but it was too busy. We finished up at Crowded House which had heaps of TV's featuring different sport. We watched the rugby on the big screen. The chiefs won. The food was great but I forgot to take a photo as I was too hungry. <br />We headed back to the motel to watch the rest of the match and to prepare for tomorrows leg of the trip.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=New%20Plymouth&z=10'>New Plymouth</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-56756017460700768442012-06-29T06:49:00.001+08:002012-06-29T06:49:46.678+08:0028th June 2012I was woken rather early by Kevin, who had to head off to the hospital for five hours of medical tests. This was part of a research project for a PHD on faetal anaemia. His brother Simon was there also. We stayed at the Dominion Lodge which is run by the Cancer Foundation in NZ.<br />Rachael, Chris and I headed off to Newmarket for breakfast at "Jones the Grocer". We had eggs benedict while Chris had the full breakfast.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759223671157166162'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD0NLm5VCsddZ0rdYnRFSwxj49a6M3Tydnz9_7iQkcD3AuOhUtZmFoh5XUWcVc63Ys2CoIXOZuVSWzlfCb1Q0jxZlZeKS6smHbhGuK49zZta9mF1J6bqK2C6LCA6F1KlbKCJZv2Y4b2g/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I found some handprinted teatowels for presents at the cafe. They had a wonderful display of mustards, relishes, teas etc.<br />Rachael and I proceeded to check out the shops in the Newmarket area and then headed back to the hotel to meet the boys after they were finished at the hospital.<br />In the afternoon we checked out Stokers model shop and the Octane bookshop. The Technical bookshop was next door and I found a book on making movies with you Iphone. Kevin bought some prints of New Zealand racing car drivers to add to his collection.<br /><br />After a lot of discussion we decided which movies we would see. Rachael and I watched Snow White and the Huntsman while the boys went to see Prometheus in 3D.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759223739247459298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3gdjxHZlKvggczM7GN8Plw9cus0D78Rz_ZtKaQ_OGhfBf2rwJoC_hWMSxfGZH5WgRy5SbdqR2qPgQn4-cdVmDwA2D9vVTUljQDR4OgizN1XSVRWgiTV4QHZ55o0uvAXNyrZ-vhlZvgs/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5759223789492326578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-FZD9iI9gIYOsOmZ8-nkZazVHoS01Bsm2T7BSSZtuROvy_PQWbNEYqr-VN35gC24x6ha_WVVATj5siqezNoL7Tu3jxBlUW1Ed3EbPDXjbxJWxQwLE3f8FMktUoKTKoV9Faacb11YAEs/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='282' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After the movies we had an indian curry for tea. It was a long time since we had eaten breakfast.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Auckland,%20NZ&z=10'>Auckland, NZ</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-80420648648924332382012-06-27T19:01:00.001+08:002012-06-27T19:01:41.787+08:0027th June 2012We packed our bags and eventually left Taupo with hugs and wellwishes. Our first stop was the lookout as it was a beautiful cold morning and there was snow on the mountain range.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5758669993816858210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkPmiw7CE3BIRn-msZDTEQzl3mmWKKXmwheYrgLVSoWC98gv5yb2UszJqCpqbkxx9h0B1f2DtQa6WZtIbsbwT5uGcdPtUnUqLhCM6EtmbeG5ss_uke54_6ajLM-WsCtJc0ONIc2P43gs/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then made a visit to the huka falls which was very fast as usual.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5758670037354298978'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtYbSwn6jKyhOUGv47Ls1oMlVRLlLWQzj0_o6e3D_sMx0JNsvRef5vYXDBFx6CHnswP8sUxW1HpIcg8q3dUObsRfrU3FQb5oxvfgMi3rGul97nJnhdA4L3fuWrNnm2xFDnte2XQ_ejrQ/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next stop was Tokaroa for morning coffee and muffins. Then on to Putaruru where we turned off for Tauranga. We were nearly there when we were diverted by a road works. We had to take a very long detour. Finally we arrived at Simon and Rachael's home. Moses was very pleased to see us. After a tour of the house and garden we all set off for the Mount where we had lunch and a photo shoot. Side Track Cafe had great food and it was right on the beach front.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5758670081106668066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgriSZtJbfhIeBbeM3ftEHSnIyu7i2N8J2ay_Or4EFDa7PaFZyyIpFDfCl1qB5Vi2lngXi5XX3OpnoDZp22vLY5I7TiIfDm-GUkH8lWQ0CCyCteslXCTnUkkT4xpBRf5h1yRAaA3cRKs/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5758670123661696818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W9neJWI48zgPA7uAkbqM6xzbLXPWpLqZqgLOTKejHtumfHr2sdR633J5z_xP632Mm1TnYWSq_xJ10Uhsf4LD_6HCClp2IWCbFCNOFj_I54W_4ayfGYS4sG4a-bhMjqkxAJOdLgy8ra8/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our route over the Kiamias gives a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5758670158782057426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaIYVpeVd2eYN1wdZh45xHJMAO8ZsjihNOiE7at6MhwDXkp0Hy6No0nAz1CxR4IOOutHP5v6bAe5M9lacY8TKkaLZfouvf2MiGiFZFK3lhhoaMTTN0oJt2jS1c5PI2-J4nYITCx6X02E/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As we arrived at Waihi Beach we saw this double rainbow.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5758670201226077122'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGweeeGmZhw1Q4g24W9DLrAKXax2IQJOcy400DTstVG6nGYFnHGX6fyS0UXqm2x-sbLp0pZIl-WdoX4zqUEB_ddJcKZIrV_b1cBs9VxC-3C6EfqWnJDQUQUzAlotejIuBCbdsNLDJe5E/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Waihi Beach after the rain had stopped.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5758670241359919666'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEUy2nCn1stXbCfJf19rPJoOInmSJZq8P6H0KLguxlsWIOOIRsKT6Bxp8CcEH0_eN1RKzhQ7NYghJegfjSst-iB1xVEch_Kop-dO9ZKZFvSg0-iu_0WduWuO-PjHEROYhqnKPI44Zv_I/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I love the shapes made by the trees in winter.<br />We eventually arrived at our hotel in the Domain. We walked down to get tea and then walked back. My knees are complaining, but I did not need to resort to a taxi. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tauranga,%20Auckland&z=10'>Tauranga, Auckland</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-80881484548163024282012-06-27T19:00:00.001+08:002012-06-27T19:00:10.727+08:0026th June 2012I spent the morning sorting out Kevin's computer. I saved quite a few files to the new external drive and then found that the camera cord was missing. Apparently it went home early to Australia in my son's suitcase. Luckily there is still heaps of room on the card so no worries.<br />The weather had set in, so there was no thoughts of venturing out til later in the afternoon when we went down to post some bits and pieces home.<br />A very good friend of the family arrived with a brand new flat screen TV and proceeded to install it on some pretext that she needed to try it out. With some help from the boys and a new cord, it worked beautifully. It was a lovely surprise. <br />After presenting the TV we had a feed of Hoki, chips, hotdogs, scallops and squid rings from the local shop.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5758669844716097522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyoz5b4N-Ssh6v59BhswMwbEY12m-cSHiBorb5AR-s3puaOl7wwBhxShBdHsWlwOOODjQ5OdasDSWwcUpwqEA4XH9Uwd4ZemBvkg7UlrC6sIJiKa1Foiu7Ioz_3blcbAaQEBeGIQUMxU/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='323' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Taupo%40-36.863113%2C174.769889&z=10'>Taupo</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-4208688254681784112012-06-26T09:56:00.001+08:002012-06-26T09:58:42.231+08:0025th June 2012Monday is traditionally washing day and today was no different. There was some wind today which made it bitterly cold but at least it dried the clothes in between rain showers. Several times during the day Olive and I made the mad dash outside to rescue the clothes as the rain came down.<br />
Kevin and Chris were due back from the rally in Auckland in the afternoon. I messaged them several times and they eventally arrived after doing a spot of Tiki Touring. After a short break we went down town to buy some food for tea at brother Petes house. We also bought a portable drive for Kevin's computer as he had run out of memory and couldn't download the last of his rally photos. <br />
The evening at Peters was lovely. We met some of his new friends and caught up with some we had met on previous visits. Even though it was cold we stayed reasonably warm with a patio heater and a workshop heater. Mind you, I did not take off my coat. As it was work the next day for most, they left early and then we had a coffee inside before heading home to bed.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />
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Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Taupo&z=10">Taupo</a></div>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-9008868808929483882012-06-24T10:07:00.001+08:002012-06-24T10:07:26.140+08:0024th June 2012Today started out looking as if the day would be grey and wet, but we had a spot of sun peeking through and then a rainbow formed in the sky. I went to church with Olive and then she took me out to lunch. I have been to L'Arte before one summer holiday a few years ago now. The studio is now a lovely little cafe. A new studio has been created further up in the garden. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757417844456385090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgervZnnYNohLojetwqDVqvIH5z3rYLMnhBFI0yYyKGolnMnMoUx4UI3wyh4CXNYj-1rZo1eMk0KFGMlTT3GvvmB97HZ0Mji1D7-Hz45Bp1cYkWatjcQ-YotdQWOk0EXfjNszwE894_rpg/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lunch was really yummy. I had a chicken and mushroom in filo with a great salad. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757417942517249010'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzIiBnWOLAnEg33n-ElgotFbwgTOe_zNmrEHRDOF1VhC2kHSD5CyT7yI7Ghu2TQymU8yhYOzpa7dqPpm0N7NYR008-_gzkTDN6Tzq1r4x_JYmgjhIYI0_6Ac7sdvEtKqGJcr915vsqxI/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The gardens dispayed a wonderful collection of sculpture made from metal, wood and ceramics. I loved the colours in this flower.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757418040681337986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7s3Xcg22ve6Jo3U31vxzLIUkxyX644uqZWzjvOh2UvbMAhyp5LNrhZudqGuNW6qoivTJjqcv9q66n2nguvIBbMvnhLebpUXPRnUFKNUDxKb_gsZhTi3XxFIBEFU0Aa4tJw41OONVC40/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757418145857580930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczmPzdNaFmC0jFcxJUFpc70fZdDKXIJLdkVCE9c6igjzg_s1I-5vxghkEMGQgT0OoH135jQOi4xigpCkEtNDC3PNMMohpRLUtegajGNFGGiaUJ8V1MSDRUiEVjKKpQAsFxhjlFGv9UuE/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757419076730199618'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cGLW7Xwf2KQCIVQRVg28ZUmpJwZb9FBdfB2xuPE9lkBIGxfrscZ5yhionoXtc36457JlYkjnF06A0UMFb-CAoxY8cxSHf_qHQQdsnjUTFfidn69VXemxmxKH4IEAhAK7s5Yl-QrD4Ik/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757419199582681074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYQWHekDTt91nG5s79gKGlURs9VD-_gVPR0W3KLjMVgcBXVhPhZT-_fxxFccaYgCm3Nht6HjqVNgtw8KyQXyluhjcgd74dYmdahjJFWQpX5erJjVHER_sN-x24ZhnJ0DeFrC92Z2ENmU/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757419281107510130'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduFOcIkfwLECcMvV2O9Q3DAUOgJy8XYPZq-HcJq0AwLgqpQtLSL7zsg-SwHhraEpKP6_J_uhpR0XiqWY1AyWwL34TxHGm4UeBUZ2j7CXrlcy0AQJnWWJHsN1GyuUUtN3WTfvFEcluqzY/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sunday,%20Sunday&z=10'>Sunday, Sunday</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-1066292434494981892012-06-23T12:30:00.001+08:002012-06-23T12:34:54.257+08:0023rd June 2012It is a grey day today. The sky is overcast and there is hardly a breath of wind. I went for a walk through the area behind the house that had been logged and cleared. The only sign of life was a big fat bumblebee that was feeding on the thistle flowers.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757084573195767826'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPUkacV2_Q4uvUZDThLy08MVO4-Tc0_k7eKYgf9jQ1Oz33dJQoVeCh184Su1ST8gGD2_9s2QKBITAOrt4R64kxeN9v-UkQhCojtxqSjZiKzsDGkyg4f8pus8lwnt_fa_k0ADnneItEx0/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I then found my way along the reserve and down through a gully. This was easier walking and had a collection of interesting plants. <br />Several trees still held onto their beautiful autumn colour as they were protected from the wind.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757084684614821202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjslXoa0bXafYIWFXOXYzzLubcPQNJQPivRlszlHGhNHL3k64hE85_nBZZ9VYGDK0a3C3PFqbdkMbbqAQlcIkdJZ_V4KPMvx1Q9xwnU_MZoN4II9YLyfDjpuoFbLyGRgdQrsxzpJ0FIU/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757084780398365938'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgw3piVJFNMO0XFl-FWFP4EFfwHSO8AfpczL9s6K-10gTFVutaM1w9BCpyJ-AqLG3fPp_GClkfCjgYu33RYNgN9zNxB_xc1mmuzPdBt6FFzx_0Cw_VYYmIPrD-g08UTNApGWwcMMzB04/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757084921926592770'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXNC13WOjkDTlgullSyz03OYg3YpHETohSEL71joYqI8WcDxPiyo5RNYzva_LYHcgoDRJsqymMr59odg7OGG0TZE66tOljk3Km9iuOgKWMWRMgHKBm6dDPD6KtPR3FgE_IkXQtIXzY7I/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I even found some wattle just coming into bloom. It made me feel as if I was in Australia. There were a few eucalypts as well.<br />On my return to the house, Olive invited me to go with her next door to visit her neighbour. Kathy is a teacher, who works with kids not making progress in a one on one programme. Sadly the programme finishes at the end of the year and she will need to find a new position.<br />After lunch I spent some time trying to draw blackbirds. They are rather a pesky bird but they have a lovely fat shape. This time I used the Art pack on my Ipad to create my drawing.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5757084986364510482'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx1pXPJ2Hpgdakh3CJ_xEkVKk5tClOAHfTUBihJ4CCDjwHsegi6WdBqdRhtNfyoGsU4aXRqre6wLJHVvM1MlGri_DB8c0YaisvwvoExZNhk2MwEqAAf0_x6bDWQRoVed_UjO3QbRm18M/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Olive and I decided to go down town to get some meat for tea, but the car would not start. It was as dead as a dodo. Luckily we could ring the AA to come and have a look. Hope fully they will not be too long.<br />...............<br />The car is now running. I think we must have left a door open which will drain the battery over two days.<br />I wonder what the rally boys are up to. I hope they ring tonight to give me an update. At least the weather has been on their side.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Taupo&z=10'>Taupo</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-22772150778005192002012-06-22T12:04:00.001+08:002012-06-22T12:04:34.296+08:0022nd June 2012Today was another beautiful day in paradise. The temperature was zero, but the sun was shining. After breakfast I decided to go for a walk with my camera in tow. I headed towards the lake and went through some open gates which led to a empty lot that ended with a huge drop down to the lake. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756706854077517746'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3myKVnbEVF_Pe_2lHmDjRB0TmfKxIUCJ9_Ozk-8G5PN-4XLp3G0fcMwZzQfKYe9D4JurJ2dJK6SyrCI_KIebrQK8yRUqupmdUT6El19pdQe_bDxbzpfgEYzfo2DSN_f7gOPUv1_BSqkE/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I took some photos and headed back homewards. On the way I collected a few leaves as I have planned to make some leaf stamps and needed to draw around them form a pattern. I found these strange looking cones on a tree and still have not found out what they are. As the tree was bare, it is hard to use most online tools for plant identification.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756706946788319986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7TMSRfe-1BjnxsVFo09IQzBq6ySf9KqmNmFxZhgIBiMYqkMQO4qDWNCcv50RWv6o0UoZJOp_evlkKZzN3Aw60ak1xyEzjfKqVCCGLWFJsAs_JmVUIsEjYdjukaRvXwH1RCM8x-6GuIk/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />When I got home I got out my sketch book and had a go at some drawing and painting. I am so out of practice, I need to do more.<br />I tried out my macro lens yesterday. As it is winter there are not a lot of plants in bloom. These were taken in the garden.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756707014695276066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviAlwUdEW5XoDLDU37SAP0QOP1B5OEN3AANn7lNBtp6OY4xS8lqHV5k0cCtW9ghUzuxfiPFOkji_0TP1wn_QAyeb7I5M-3uy1h3La_T4mETSySKCJnNsKHyRLIX2ztuWnWxP2NbnDX54/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756707087507122850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQHVCb8pMw8uKI8RD67MLvsRE6iC2A341wLU1juXxOxrWwvxk7hzmHaDSkek6jiItNU0a7sGgkp23CfrHhFeh7BFlEqMoECYjUXSE6juas7dzv1rFwfWV7GPnbr8N3yIt5G-ZbjuQOh4/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756707155828529186'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmY7h1XuaRQ5Cv9oAZh9Llh22qQdpi9BCu0SeVWLC5uRHZhxQ22b1kh5k2JDyUKhF6arLlUR_L_XPC2ivv5mRlnXYVDHmZWHjF9osH_6oB5qBCAcMmQwYvQZ_bOeBn-8uXSrKUSxIi9iM/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756707225216926626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsbKX_2UX1eLDUVkmiz9abeb3JUB8dk-gBRu69hl-J43tLk8SFqeRAXjSMGoSDmQFhqbEyvFPgGa8ky9VCSQGUOCKXqrQqbzSChmbrXLTNzLPx03QOF3W_zsfCssf51seMoClNH0w7a4/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This Tui was puffed up and showing off to the female nearby. He looked so silly perched up on top of the branch.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756707309335305650'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgKQv-cKSxLzfKIUJcR4huio_VUydUDPBwhp1cjstyp7EJhiQLj_h9dXRTx9zQ0_H84C6UPyLh5sT7KI3oC7wmCB5n60Lcvk_Pp7NbcS1nQMSPXmfJQUh7liVlK5mQ7swmpLjYE-nK0Y/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another view of the lake this morning.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Taupo&z=10'>Taupo</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-46123120078106871262012-06-21T13:00:00.001+08:002012-06-21T13:00:00.210+08:0021st June 2012Another quiet day as the boys are in Auckland at the shake down for the New Zealand Rally. My DH likes to play tricks on his friends and family. Yesterday, his friends played a prank on him. His friends Sam and Tim were going to Darwin for the V8's, and were not coming to NZ for the Rally. Or so they said. Yesterday afternoon, they arrived and gave him a huge surprize. One more down to the friends. Now I wonder what Troy and Carrie are up to. Probably babysitting!!<br />This afternoon I went shopping with MIL and came home with some warm socks for my ugg boots, as well as two tops and a baby toy.<br />I had a phone call from DD to say that the hotwater system had burst and she had called the plumber. Now we have a new hotwater system in the unit. The bank account is a lot smaller.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756350507130589266'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwWBX1C5HDvveFrWAmOWDo450ZlgboSfVH_OwAOoe_xr-iqmZ0KnJaY_GjLZu9WaIbtTlfclYotMeI8n6Knbc5oIHZmxleOGwhb4svOiIuBHFR2GYySdZctwETaYKPi3_QuyKLsPqoVc/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oball original by Rhino Toys.<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Taupo&z=10'>Taupo</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-22107399875226323942012-06-21T12:32:00.001+08:002012-06-21T12:32:44.441+08:0020th June 2012Today was a quiet day. After breakfast the boys packed their suitcases and set off for Auckland and the New Zealand International Rally. Back here in Taupo we did the washing, changed beds and cleaned up. The weather was fine, though not very warm. I spent this afternoon reading and then making a copy of a pattern for a tea-cosy. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5756343484007034530'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnGIkU40ZgrcpgR-XGZeiDP0cfKyMF3tVPCpvSXOQqJ9QqmgORGvrT6xhdqerqFhMiHMYdCSLjr-qIpjmOUQmhcHlidpwNxir3GfTEIGr6K2d-IOd97Buwdh9mdPFQOeXkIcx91GbvWs/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This was in the NZ Woman's Weekly, but not in my digital version.<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Taupo%20NZ&z=10'>Taupo NZ</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3202102239542465618.post-52726324709655943912012-06-19T17:06:00.001+08:002012-06-19T17:06:56.248+08:0019th June 2012Today we headed off for a day in Rotarua. Even though it was raining, we set off at about 9 am. Our first stop was Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. We were in time to watch the Geyser blow and went for a leisurely walk around the different mud pools, craters and steaming fumaroles. The boys did the more difficult section while I headed back to the shop.<br />After that trip we headed into Rotarua and the Skyline Luge. We managed to dodge the rain showers, except the last trip down, when they got wet on the chair lift ride back.<br />We did a quick look around the shops trying to find some new hd tapes for Garretts camera. We also tried a few newsagents looking for magazines. Last of all we went to Starbucks for coffee and muffins. It was the worst coffee I have ever had.<br />We all snoozed as Kevin drove back to Taupo. We went to Prime Roast for tea, which was great value for money.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5755671409739024434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_el3h515Hfg7MFam-6Hnz5UYnp7u4j-924zcDtq3WfSZGiVX9hoaY1ZSc6EYDLaEqodY9JtfHOr3C2MFWvP3zHAMm7LrqLfeLzq_Y3A42y2tGvFFOvd0JYjpmHIVwG90SagVUNk6yenA/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='268' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It is just starting.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5755671498487981906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiarDI966RWKbvCCcUQ3mHa25S11KBpDQJpJ6bwPd0_YgmbmMaQXQwgTeovakxqnJGxu_fz4-b7bfv5_pQaro28uGCAGzt_3HUThJWiGeJD_oc5dA7Dwvt1S398avbTViVrjbbsI4R1_4/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='268' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Here it is about 4 metres high.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5755671599350157346'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge__vztQRYxI8_raLTe9ZAKGT1XuPVfy756xJpx5vaqiRHeGJT8STaifqzixMZxobHS9imIWuBS1TlnmNsQ6r2Tz0me_GS9KBjo_-JdJMw18mYR6VsDNKnW2ERy1u-SxACaD-W_MOSZyI/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kevin, Garrett and Chris.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5755671680212116514'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg139JWORK54M-qhu9aLCFCqByHB95HQH9TprCLAiVvG9I7UMWX7c7bUUW2sJhBcdrD-RcQs2EErzDRgLT2EnN1YVuzVSt3yqdvlbAriqEVAvOy01o8RC52BjwunrNstjlH1WoSnpbTz1A/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A yellow pool of mud. The yellow is from the sulfur and arsenic in the mud.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5755671757825345986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNDGKKfEMrq5TMYnrjdOWCGUOQdzjPOq5jBf6OECxDQaJBolp_P6qjyE6iX6pFJzylE9cga-86SqXr6hE8IOr8Fh5yfQhvSC75TRE9o7hs0F0wcKV5laxlGO6ybcwDeHy90S5cT8I86U/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This pool was bright green.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5755671819641729458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2hsH9fgRENqKRAS96__HF1rUhJy0b0TMGj4UMtMlu4xtvOfIWCl3hdO3f5lMl0GiM1PBvF0UTuk6Y8zmIOfyEuwcSzg0JMmnRnKfZBs2H2ogPGbMULE0U-W9mPknLFDv-hc6evvQ7ro/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A fantail was entertaining me at the end of my walk.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5755671891247750210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC7TzioTApu2Hwe2xm9rkdwUVtFs1nNJHaIsOPFNgFApTzbcuDGE-H10NOkYoxJZhsuN0Yrd3lyohAW70sUuyF4i2MNMBViWJVOeibQle7tQ8iojJPxla9nvAFHOXWfn3EESuTbEdY9k/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The boys had fun on the luge.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114569885904689448729/MarionSMahem?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbnn6HfkY-XQw#5755671956277732082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoWWFMqLgrqOLpu51IrsNetk7AJa5cOW0nXx4D_yYTVgtp_SZZhYJeuyom6qMhAHKsgX2NUwrblXlAJP_i1YZmVOB47NsgX_9tFbX9RXneJBbWE-HKsdeOv4GuP8GBSLJgKg2UlNPYkk/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Rotarua&z=10'>Rotarua</a></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10209722298850151309noreply@blogger.com1