tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62017720330070094342023-11-16T06:12:46.893-08:00An Aussie in AucklandAussie Mum and family swap the delights of Bris Vegas for the City of Sails.MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-26274864473007154502010-03-17T14:02:00.000-07:002018-11-17T01:49:02.674-08:00Fire and ice ...You can take the Brissie girl out of New Zealand, but you can't take NZ out of the girl. Or something like that.<br />
What I mean is that although I'm no longer an Aussie in Auckland, there's a little Kiwi - or perhaps a Kakapo - that resides inside my heart.<br />
So when @LanghamAuckland shared some exciting news via twitter, I just couldn't resist posting about it.<br />
Remember Earth Hour? It's coming up this Saturday, and to celebrate the hotel's <a href="http://www.langhamhotels.co.nz/">Chuan Spa </a>will be plunged into darkness, and the lights replaced with hundreds of soy candles. Then, the spa will offer a unique Fire and Ice Candlelit massage, using hot stones and ice-cold gemstones.<br />
Best of all, 10 per cent of the proceeds from each massage will go to New Zealand's WWF.<br />
The 1 1/2 hour treatment costs $NZ200, and would be almost worth making the hop across the ditch for ... (hint @FlyAirNZ?)<br />
But wait, there's more!<br />
To mark Earth Hour 2010, the hotel's chandeliers and main lights - including the iconic rooftop sign - will also be switched off, and replaced with 1700 soy candles.<br />
So you can pamper yourself AND help the environment as well.<br />
You can't beat Kiwi know-how!MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-7711124913165621252009-12-30T19:02:00.000-08:002010-01-03T15:27:31.416-08:00E noho rā'All good things come to an end, and so too, has our stay in New Zealand.<br />Husband has accepted an offer too good to refuse, so we will be relocating across the ditch to Australia, back where it all started.<br />It's with mixed feelings that we say e noho rā' to Aeotearoa, and for now, I will still be blogging about our adventures there whenever I get time or inspiration.<br />In the meantime, thanks for reading, and for your wonderful comments - I love them all.<br />Happy 2010!MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-46734072956862437692009-12-27T19:51:00.001-08:002009-12-27T20:07:44.618-08:00A Very Aussie Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVatPZudzR3snyE4yZLmcBpjSc-3VvBRgPzStNtPJt_q88fuBi3Ua1cC3jvDbvSmY0PsJzU0RKGToTZo-OgqE04HsA3NyhlHzg2n6cxDCDFoCznEQdupDi_3ibRcTXvSfAj0H1g2ziyTM0/s1600-h/harmonie+and+santa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420131131366416562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 86px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVatPZudzR3snyE4yZLmcBpjSc-3VvBRgPzStNtPJt_q88fuBi3Ua1cC3jvDbvSmY0PsJzU0RKGToTZo-OgqE04HsA3NyhlHzg2n6cxDCDFoCznEQdupDi_3ibRcTXvSfAj0H1g2ziyTM0/s320/harmonie+and+santa.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So, how was your Christmas?</div><br /><div>We enjoyed an Aussie Bush Christmas, with loads of family and friends, just as it should be.</div><br /><div>My siblings, parents and I were together for the first time in years, plus we had loads of extended family and friends around as well.</div><br /><div>My sister and hubby were our gracious hosts, and as usual, they went all out to ensure everyone were comfortable, fed and watered. (Or alcohol-ed. Though I think I may have just made that word up).</div><br /><div>The kids spent most of the time in the pool, playing with their cousins, and eating and drinking far too little.</div><br /><div>While the adults spent most of the time OUT of the pool, and eating and drinking far too much.</div><br /><div>Just as well Christmas comes but once a year!</div><div> </div><div>Christmas Eve was spent, in the main street of Wondai, for the 60th annual Christmas Street Carnival.</div><div> </div><div>Each year, we say never again; Each year, we go again anyway. There are the ham and turkey wheels, the merry-go-round and jumping castle, plus free ice-blocks for the kids from Santa. Not to mention the drinks at the RSL a bit later. Hey, it's tradition!</div><div> </div><div>On Christmas morning, it's church, again in Wondai. This year, Uncle O. was the layreader, and we giggled as one of his grandchildren yelled out: 'Hello Pop!' Then it was back to L and O's for champagne, pina coladas, and beer ... and mountains of food.</div><div> </div><div>L's special muscat-glazed baked ham, barbecued chickens, prawns, bugs, crabs and loads of salads. Then unmentionable desserts.</div><div> </div><div>All washed down with good Aussie wine and beer, plus softies for the kids and the drivers.</div><div> </div><div>The next morning, we enjoyed a barbie breakfast on the deck at my parents' home, before taking the long drive back to Brisbane, and discovering that Santa had visited Nana too!</div><div> </div><div>Much to my surprise, I discovered the kids had been Very Good all year after all.</div><div> </div><div>Ah ... it's the magic of Christmas. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><em>(Pic: Santa and a Very Special Reindeer, photo courtesy of Husband).</em></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-27800679581348452312009-12-16T08:16:00.000-08:002009-12-16T13:42:19.171-08:00It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y5v2nbnjJfjebAPuTsXTkn-526G887WBDuHOABzHVsZ46_At8g23Oup-4zksky2RZ49VuYt3qWje8uziIsOsdJEFd0TqGnC76HgB6sYzQZIzG-GVe9LD92GdCfDf7UxvVT4a-eh84Xpx/s1600-h/SDC10023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415870930330327426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y5v2nbnjJfjebAPuTsXTkn-526G887WBDuHOABzHVsZ46_At8g23Oup-4zksky2RZ49VuYt3qWje8uziIsOsdJEFd0TqGnC76HgB6sYzQZIzG-GVe9LD92GdCfDf7UxvVT4a-eh84Xpx/s320/SDC10023.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;">Boxing day, 2008</span><br /><br /><div>I admit it: I've been slack.</div><br /><div>I know I haven't blogged lately, and I have a couple of cameras worth of shots to upload. But I have two words for you: Blame Santa.</div><br /><div>Yes, the time for end of year/Christmas craziness has well and truly fallen upon the Aussies in Auckland, and I've not had a moment to blog. Or shop. Or do much of anything apart from work and kid-wrangling. Oh, and shouting. </div><br /><div>We've been too busy! There have been carols by candlelight, nights out, summer festivals, parties, Santa parades, school break-ups, and more ...</div><br /><div>And forget about Christmas shopping. (I'm thinking Santa is going to need more than a few little helpers this year...)!</div><br /><div>Anyway, I will post about all the fab things we've been enjoying in and around Auckland, as soon as I get time. But in the meantime, I would love to wish you and yours all the best for the festive season.</div><br /><br />This year, we're heading home to Australia to spend our Christmas with family.<br /><div> </div><div>I loved Christmas in Auckland last year. The flaming pohutakawa trees, the Franklin Road lights, the near-empty and not-boiling-hot beaches, and the fact that Auckland empties out over the holidays.</div><br /><div>But we did miss our family and friends, so it will be nice to share the festivities with them this year.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Merry Christmas to all my dear readers and followers and thanks for your comments and emails during the year.</div><div> </div><div>I hope Santa is kind to you and that you're not feeling quite as stressed as I am! </div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-69753530335245274452009-12-03T19:06:00.000-08:002009-12-03T19:45:36.636-08:00Don't show the children ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdWfgRDvxzfcMhtmdeAzkrGLByg0tGXXgkA-o_b3RWAsfKinWl1nJmF7PxWXKOjMMkVT8HXoJwFEimDW300LhyPvVUr2LSYj7teUw7j_dhSXlHdrdtilTIQCvW1lqAOyH_isYZRM2Zvrk/s1600-h/santa.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411212781096936082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdWfgRDvxzfcMhtmdeAzkrGLByg0tGXXgkA-o_b3RWAsfKinWl1nJmF7PxWXKOjMMkVT8HXoJwFEimDW300LhyPvVUr2LSYj7teUw7j_dhSXlHdrdtilTIQCvW1lqAOyH_isYZRM2Zvrk/s320/santa.jpg" /></a>Eek ... send a ransom! Santa has been kidnapped by terrorists!<br />No, actually this photograph, courtesy of NZ tweep @gnat, is of Auckland's famous Whitcoulls Santa about to be unveiled in the CBD.<br />Since the 1960s the iconic Santa has looked down benignly on Aucklanders as they dodge homeless people, bodily fluids, and fight each other for Christmas bargains in the lead-up to Christmas.<br />Last year, there was a huge controversy, because some Bah Humbug/politically correct types thought Santa looked seedy, with a finger beckoning creepily to children, and a rusty eye winking sleazily at them. Seriously, even the P. word was used.<br />In fact, there was a debate as to whether old Santa should be retired, but public opinion weighed in heavily, and it was decided Santa should undergo what all Good Santas Of A Certain Age Do, and have a makeover. (In fact, there's even a Fan Page on Facebook now for NZ's infamous Creepy Santa).<br />Off he was whisked to a secret location, where, with the magic of cosmetic surgery, he was rebuilt into a younger, buffer version of his original self. (Really. Is nothing sacred?)<br />Anyway, this year he is back, younger and better than ever before ... but not before the children of Auckland were forever traumatised by the sight of their beloved Santa trussed up and his face covered in bandages!<br />Even better, the usual Kiwi Ingenuity has shone through, with one of the people who have done some of the cosmetic work now auctioning up Santa's rusty eye on trademe. Check it out - <a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/">www.trademe.co.nz</a> under antiques and collectables, then click on Maori and New Zealand. At the time of blogging it was going for $NZ102.<br />Wonder who will be getting a lump of coal in their stocking this year?MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-81750084110588325152009-12-03T02:45:00.000-08:002009-12-03T10:01:16.698-08:00The flights ...We flew to Samoa with Air New Zealand, which was awesome. Well, except for the food. But you get that, right?<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410968128269648146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb4sUOwz8jOYKpK_GiUk9SsA-0flsu2sg8i5Obh2ZrLK7JtBXf2uCtJkyS9m4LxxabjEwNq5AecJPPu5MWWTuTXsq24pkCMaCS4Aw7UNbBQqaocLZMQKIxdYiK3ja4hrPqx_R2uystErI/s320/samoan+holiday+405.JPG" />Chicken pie (erm, looked and tasted nothing like it) and couscous salad. The salad was okay. Unfortunately, the ice-cream dessert had nuts in, so the kids couldn't eat it. Honestly, is it too hard to arrange a nut-free meal? They do halal and vegan ... (And yes, I did try to organise it but was told it couldn't be done, and to take snacks myself, which I obviously did. But still, grumpy kids like to be 'treated' like everyone else.)<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410968126770127362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cAZ7iQpcQsT8a-TxDUPQp8e_t2UUzlb2bd0twqMZKF1THWKoDI_x3fol6hohZG4eb_hY_c7AyvzLbK4EY-szew1nptm5F1sncES2mehxibD29Fqhp2_4u-bcjZBgaSuBB11gNzsGV7WU/s320/samoan+holiday+403.JPG" /><br />Salmon pie - apparently<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410968118101082546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouNfiNgyuzGZdJwoWVOusRej2J9-T3eTcTQW7v4CKYP0Nro6Ip0m6rZ_EQRl4c23JDd1jqueh7-0pndUooNMs2VWfXQKyKWxxXOkCFO_qJr7zBkaMwmjF-LLPc6uZoPWFtzCL707Am24F/s320/samoan+holiday+402.JPG" />Miss 6 enjoys the inflight entertainment.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410967465887318050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqai4hahYSOerEKl8WReYOC2IPiwbthRFYo-7TxSGxpyWSfjsKNzX_V4FqDecPyFL0wq_nhSz8bJwsLBk4pBfAhJ1DVVMZx9ayb5lW98pR_ayUb-arnImc5vJ1vH9dVfmFC7Nk32s5rDTg/s320/samoan+holiday+401.JPG" /> You know you're back in New Zealand territory when A. the greeting is Kia Ora, and B. You can catch up on the Shortie Street episodes you've missed ...<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410967458647318802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmunylJUiFJpeLJ2dznrlyKvLaZuRvKNz8Pc4rCxt3W6CCtk7UksI2aWHyjAxBrEglSY3FZzqJEEED-mq2mxu9Y9j5t1FQZJJx241yqQXk7W3FVF0xeS3K5iewRh5YAJzgl5-zByHP9OUi/s320/samoan+holiday+399.JPG" /> Duty free shopping, Samoan style.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410967452986090818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9z4ZOsX6MtWT0fF4GpQZhi_LjsuDOWU_ULObg7Nx3CORO_N6T-IVDysNn5-dvgfGF40Yj2WbzdmqjT8sTl8g__0PVYmZ2JqHWEbO7UfYWkKXbxWPPWgeBVVEO8Y9dBjo1QxtRGOeo0rE7/s320/samoan+holiday+398.JPG" /> Our first Christmas Tree of the Season - at Apia Airport<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410967448475768898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApy6-HTS3CO2ubfChjtheVXOgrqgKQYfivM_2R6DRT0JMfQvkqTuep6MwhgIXT_U7ORhCEkvbmYsQhxunV9Z5Cj2FlH9BE3mLe9qSTWEsg3bsMIjotxw8kzqG2gnRkQickv4qwNlr4qem/s320/samoan+holiday+069.JPG" /> Miss 6 took her Lolly Girl Status seriously, even waking up passengers to check if they needed a sweet ...<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-5025511774502921392009-12-02T04:49:00.001-08:002009-12-02T10:36:58.443-08:00The foodSo, while in Samoa, we chose to do an all-inclusive meal deal.<br />In my single, child-free travelling days, I would have choked at the thought; preferring to eat locally (and probably vicariously).<br />But when you have kids, you need good, reliable food, and often.<br />The all-inclusive deal for Aggie Grey's Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa at Apia was amazing. I think Kyle and I paid a bit over $100 each extra for it, and the kids were free. That was for the duration of our stay.<br />To be honest, I do wish the kid's menu changed occasionally. But there was so much food, that we could never hope to eat, that I sometimes ordered one of my meals for them, to spice things up a bit, and just had an entree. (Okay, once I had a dessert too. Just once though. In nearly 2 weeks. And it was banofee pie with bananas in it, so was almost healthy ... so there!)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410629246990455138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtZ_iPa11d0wXipuP0zD24a0tFBzUo4Y3Roum0O7UbgLCeBRJbNoQmxxAJK3GeFAk27TnNdTaoiqDIezkjxqTW3xlUnCxwDJk6z_Zxd_7Sdgl2pJuTvBH8ffEeGzuRUOwmHkuhZ-YQkAM/s320/samoan+holiday+366.JPG" />C. was such a favourite with the breakfast chef, that he was invited up to help cook. Check out the cap!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410629238320164178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5DG614LvhOGmDiSAORYxjlDFH3zW7Fc6_X4DKrvboMV60c9pK98Hh59VJqU6xzV9JnVn-10jr6GXiNxVbRmMbKKMX5rO6YeP4TJfMDbMC5IxurOp7C0CrsL8o_rDklj17twmY6tgtIs_/s320/samoan+holiday+363.JPG" /> Another omelette, you say? Certainly!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410625377377899042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3GQgnoK26CtgNqum8hYy90Vfw9fUdbRGWfexkfLW0PsD7uzEtDw9FzqCWFQuPYcZ7RyMCLAz88_1lsraK8dz8xZqrpZ9nO3Bi9q6iVhYH6s5IPULMs7usUGZJCCaBZ7RSsBGu0Np3738/s320/samoan+holiday+264.JPG" />He loved the food. Tucking into mac and cheese for lunch.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410625371838230370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWgKzeU4KDBR4enwgrO2swWlGvqjptjGkiLdSU_7qOkCqg2qNeTg8M4ZInsxKLls1HFhFAH_TOO0pCOebpd2bcBjxQqEFVhGb2lCY_DCLiOxTyaQNldDRnCAzhoLs55OD5U14Eqs4HJre/s320/samoan+holiday+255.JPG" />The after shot of our Umo lunch ...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410625364060484498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cxKsnW4jNDN1tddUR7Fyhw1FNtT492W3Ejv0z8m9Ex5vWeUP_pLhm4ANxXRyWxYRKMWBdF7emPHy91Y3HC6blV9YwkKo3gk7T8ljnaFgJTJc3EIIH6aLU8AfZs0gwjEr0z3zPmYBNgvf/s320/samoan+holiday+254.JPG" />And before. Truly, the most divine-tasting food. Especially the palusami - coconut milk and taro leaves.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410625359022717858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yldbkKa24rtow0c0GRq4JLijw9xRBGMnWg46lWud6SIvoBgw-IKrqbfV00OaH3R88vrwIBwovCk7L02AVVd2BkgA2X9TvGMzWEsfpaqhjPP7XiIgDexefe8tprMlgbZ3-J1j8mETIr6I/s320/samoan+holiday+248.JPG" />coconut milk and onion baked on the umo<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410625347088276418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz39PWE17Cgk-PLy_1dTtdHqGlzPP_RSWSJ_guJD7fXz362sMMs6gGlwOvyVrVluH60FAFHG8b9s-yPEEc0AdA_pU4cE_Lg10VR-tcYG8pKACfaa8tQxwvaYa4oqSQl-sdIVzxs6cGR2F_/s320/samoan+holiday+333.JPG" /><br />Hmm...deciding what to order from the kids' menu<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410623061759737314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny41V_cXmci4Sj99LiIAJIOIekb4PbxyxYFMToQFwMVrRnU3rB1N85Y-EEfd5U1C0U7dj2058MyVM4I0Ag-q1935nZO5k_Bx1dxdaYdFTZ741cmsuyuUYWo9vbkXVlb7KwF85y6evhpTU/s320/samoan+holiday+236.JPG" />A traditional Samoan feast is on the way<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410623060960317634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa8am3bBaYfW1jkiFX8jZK3LfyJ88Yw-sXyPRaCXK8XdaYJuhDx6Ulk9RbVryB1HCN6BvZENe_bKbgQ6TOJ3gqgHUITxnU7uNYzokazePTNc4s70W_yGG5XZaUVRARcOhZW46ONcDqlBX/s320/samoan+holiday+220.JPG" />Scraping the taro, breadfruit, bananas and coconut<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410623049885826434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzm33T2fud7kt5cTysuAyas1kuFuquOcyreTwy-V117EVGHi6s2qBZpM6VJDc5H3yhCi3mYXgozNQB7nUdO5678sbkVgXosp8FOtN9rPGMTrOALyxPBiVtMk_uZrKOmjXtk6UlTf7Kyhkr/s320/samoan+holiday+109.JPG" />The Kitty Whisperer<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410623048644782946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqmaS8jfHNIsfe8gjLuXohNJ_C3hs2YuFfacjOBwwTmeiIxp-3ma8jq0x4gEmkGcDX5YUQut2nxHekKrERPI6k1ntWMt3f0504Rq-t5DiUu2Ku3Lmx8_aq0Rja1-MrIa2ibb4NVwe7EM4/s320/samoan+holiday+097.JPG" />Mango ice-cream and fruit salad for dessert<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410623037450069458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaXZvroodcMXXF07Gdzoz0Fv5Dz8mhVxCXzhyRkh06dPV7YKUJEyGAcQ3m2pm27wiBhlEqwwgRVnDK6Wa5xaCUpMQiHZVK13nU4Z3jVvy12ARj9wHs4ojTLOyGTdH9vmI65k2LQL6wLEf/s320/samoan+holiday+094.JPG" />Mmm... mango ice-cream...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410621451141849234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH39TaSsXDR1LIqZHat69FkR591GMOOt4ZTPvk-_XVmWP0F-zhmiAlicAF8JPGCpezytj_8G9YD7zTQe4Fg3iKZaZGOzqBvFTXbe3_5sPPl0ttdWs7EOUEHJaPdvYEgJJO_0qLoy0izue9/s320/samoan+holiday+092.JPG" />A prawn curry from the Asian restaurant. There was a choice of 3 or 4 restaurants for dinner. This was one of our faves.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410621447040373650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioR5Wldl3VHFkxEI2cFvkM9l7mOeuJcAImoj9JvuNyFMycWWBF4oNOTjnTFE56f3Q5m_1gtNvU4FIa8HSOpqh9IeV4jQt8VewaQL_nsxK7_CSU2M5DrPpcCWISqDO6VY6CxrdwenOuk7-y/s320/samoan+holiday+091.JPG" />Nasi Goreng<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410621442306702034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfC0FSHkgHss2000vX1k35AveqrEyI8qChcYLH4xdev6h0ud2i7Q2ljZVM38zrBt1xCnHaWJIhsHYDaU3iPXa3jajzTtK4VImj67HADWttXvr2WEFU-mdR-_lsTLg1zy4rUsdmmXv5goI/s320/samoan+holiday+082.JPG" />Spring rolls, a lunch-time staple<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410621435569370850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQA5Ljg8GsMnC3SZgcxpMEixfqbumyOzHz7GPMB-eOw30U7kro6uBVDM7LS_YxcrekA-iTGGobthWE9bOhMjBrT2RL4SLTSbZ2Il5CSLfztR9-beI-2QcX7A9069F_WPUHXw86tBz6dyu/s320/samoan+holiday+079.JPG" />A lunch-time kiddy burger<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410621429224747826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7K3DfQOp18afXjdNmI7WKI1dEwakbiFqgJfy6aR-nifU85l2cT9sO_GexKedG6JLwcQl6XFspjf43jUOiVnsk7veCJ3pesvKLcjilk_ifbk0gJ4ggcoBgkgub6rBjuFwk_cavjO_7kck/s320/samoan+holiday+078.JPG" />And ever-popular pizza!MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-89005948338462632272009-12-01T06:11:00.000-08:002009-12-01T06:40:26.880-08:00I'll drink to that ... drinks in Samoa!While in Samoa, we enjoyed a few cocktails, and of course the local beer, Vailima. Wine was expensive, although on a few occasions I splashed out on the 'house white' - Dan Murphy's cleanskin chardy. Usually purchased by the truckload for as little as (AUS) $1.99 back home, it was always amusing to have it served with a flourish and offered for tasting. (And it cost about $18 at the resort, so was still reasonably affordable).<br />Meanwhile, the kids loved Shasta soda drinks. Apparently a US soda chain, Shasta Cola was often substituted without explanation for the more expensive Coca Cola, and was also often the only diet cola available. (Diet drinks a hit with hubby, because he is diabetic.)<br />But they had other yummy ranges too (according to the kids - they were too sweet for me!)<br />Unfortunately, they were also full of nasty colours and flavours, which had the ability to turn the ruggies into monsters. So the drinks had to be limited - or used as rewards (or taken away as consequences). Unfortunately, Miss 6 qualified for a few more rewards than Mr 8.<br />They must be evil, as the kids still miss their Shasta treats, and I miss them as a parenting aid!<br /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410275015663275986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Fy1IwU3wPB_fMRffnMSmhdkBcTUSpL7cB_pr-oF2pxzn-WGFzFoZkXRuxb0Ru9lbTWkcntsT_rq6lqs3IVnGu-sNUt3qz6IPDIXyKUBip1uj6r4whbL-aH0YNmvOKegz0Ji6yQB9SoHC/s320/samoan+holiday+304.JPG" />Shasta strawberry. At least they are honest about it being artificially flavoured!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410272718217920514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCqgagDjPy4E797BkFSgUO87G7JaJ6QHFU2OhqzmB8Se_IXrraGdHvT3DgcIC51uhZve5q1MZjmFKc1xdJkSjpwN5f2wbllN3B_-CfX616Cv-W0CR0w3hYwF7nK1XNOhbujE_jEOlzln_/s320/samoan+holiday+352.JPG" />Cheers!<br /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410272708843966594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGKcheIS6t8ShiVx9h5bN6tWuhW948jjGqXzsV3s8olNU59KXwSP0TZHI2xUaax9M1bScJZ7Gytj2ke4FRoDsdPAQmxFBkfSioxiNhCUI8kH6DZkjdTRSR98fAnmkfiNEjeW2hHWDL9hR/s320/samoan+holiday+351.JPG" />Shasta and snacks at cocktail hour.<br /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410272706680383666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QlJ7tSCV0BdjprH_S32zZNjAcNcHEr0d7bHi6IrVE4iI2u4z-D3WB1WWubdWronM62dVkqrTGSh66XEM9OLbTnPYAJNGInvziN7l2QM1ciMnX0i_ZvgS0fx22gl6ZtXmX6hMEUAryzhQ/s320/samoan+holiday+295.JPG" />Soda with other Natural Flavour. Nice ...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410272697969666162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkAZmqlnNXs-fsHiZ5qwvNnAdjZzBAyFrgU6PmQodOfuiQ4bif8BdoIPgwtZNt9j9DlsF0mpqGMDu-eKJJpHH1UP-nCn5jbBH6942GE-Uaqp_5pswHirCjZbzu1LDuNUvIiCGAXvBPOjv/s320/samoan+holiday+192.JPG" />C. has a mocktail, Daddy has the real thing. I think C's non-alcoholic version was more potent, thanks to the colours and preservatives!<br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36DK79fH7R1acBvX_h7JE6OFJMTGVI9G6WX_sLRDogf_4EuQXPJSXDC08kPQN3ATDq-pP0Sphu12v3x963D6B3boPp7YEsw2zIr2jhBD0JcqGqG-j7VlXilP8hfd0hxZyp0DFGIjZKNWe/s1600/samoan+holiday+189.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410272690218762802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36DK79fH7R1acBvX_h7JE6OFJMTGVI9G6WX_sLRDogf_4EuQXPJSXDC08kPQN3ATDq-pP0Sphu12v3x963D6B3boPp7YEsw2zIr2jhBD0JcqGqG-j7VlXilP8hfd0hxZyp0DFGIjZKNWe/s320/samoan+holiday+189.JPG" /></a>Can I have what he's having?<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-49571369059883152752009-11-29T16:13:00.000-08:002009-12-01T06:11:32.539-08:00Shopping - Samoan style!Let's face it: You don't go to Samoa to shop. Or to use the Internet. Or check emails. Which is just as well, because apart from a zillion different lava lavas, there isn't a lot to buy. And the internet doesn't appear to work for most of the time.<br />Which is actually great, because with the time and money you save, you can enjoy a few cocktails.<br />Anyway, I still did my bit to support the local economy, and couldn't resist a little retail therapy.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409692131628892786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgC2jTrpDnu7cZM9xlu-ynBVJvTyX3jXtu8zf9_geahb29X_4N53gdqP72kLl089Nrj7s8DYsz97q1JAJgqMJdV3hrlxqPSDYVyOfhk6nmvDgsHoDExApAtrrPV8W8aUEZDkQZAPPb8S4/s320/samoan+holiday+327.JPG" />A bar in Apia<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409692125600511170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXykQJRAs479cXpZEqT7MaviQrPxbz1NROZ29bSyYO2JY540C731PXAjrrvUCWZsLlsab9GgvZIW7oZln0eoXxS1fPlBXlRIT_M69Kb-ZlWBHxV9ZlnK-3IYQsQwQBYJLom0hZRVY59kkG/s320/samoan+holiday+332.JPG" />One of the markets ... The stalls basically all sold the same things for about the same prices. Die-hard bargain-hunters can bargain a little, but not too much, as everything is cheap to start with. Usually, they will give a discount if you buy a few things from them, but I couldn't bring myself to try it on. It must be a hard way to make a dollar. Or Tala. (We are in Samoa after all). One local, a tour guide, told us his weekly wage was 100 Tala, and a decent bag of rice costs about the same - so you can work out how hard many Samoans have to work to support their families.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409692115025757586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDyRKddRkiJr2x0H85T3LpjoIL5Hny7XTtJosSX3s6agVMxrEbax0mV22OxZZWaGKX0mXalvEvB1yYmICHGQmRTjCWP9f9XLAiuRvZiUhmkTWuLWJB1UJmEN2bs-wo0cvGNu2H4dc5r5I/s320/samoan+holiday+331.JPG" />Some interesting flavours of crisps/chips.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409692112516839346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vWQjsFQUf19KIxJyRwz9XriY8zVysrh7aLPt1n3vkio2tflK5j5SyyMYNKKLCOL6SfMRNSNc3NQu2UOooW7aZx1Yf8ijwQfuqMyC42UhZ3FL15VEUJniUNYjDc7ariNNT3IkK040qFtj/s320/samoan+holiday+330.JPG" />In the deodorant aisle of a supermarket<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIME07CDxHUN7qx8XYHlm75dv-HaSp10yF0RwqPrDO-ul_HNUpGVd-_NTU_Jb-UJGhhCt5QhoiA28NnQvOQ73fRfaEhAVlnAA-9H6glqNVEVHZoECn8vm_WOmNBqpfJVHG9sesEwYH6fN/s1600/samoan+holiday+329.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409692105322617906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIME07CDxHUN7qx8XYHlm75dv-HaSp10yF0RwqPrDO-ul_HNUpGVd-_NTU_Jb-UJGhhCt5QhoiA28NnQvOQ73fRfaEhAVlnAA-9H6glqNVEVHZoECn8vm_WOmNBqpfJVHG9sesEwYH6fN/s320/samoan+holiday+329.JPG" /></a> More chippies (Octopus and cuttlefish flavour. Yummy)<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409690341403496690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyb7YcVLh_eZXSB1TU3YMOSmKjE6fkBmN5-VAaMqt5Te9O0SwEI1IVlLqT738NCH3ItE46qzic9DA3zzHcrsywTaIy_HXtl6_12_I2PRQy-R6NmoTjkLDjTY3lOcLHfX7rSdLBizGE8dC/s320/samoan+holiday+328.JPG" /> Or perhaps you'd prefer to snack on Mr Bean?<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409685121862988690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfxj51vrCCrUltq26kANSnfydm67o0OLEG4litaNSh3_eOCyfsIUcI-RhIB9dYu55EBRIgvIZEHEWxgaCg9Lzn5P3QMQTLxmuj7vfMm_vCOYhjaWAiGyOyxMhleqINYC_LjKLB2TNwKm6/s320/samoan+holiday+156.JPG" /> Missy searching for an elusive, child-sized lava-lava. (We didn't find one. Sizes and styles of everything were limited. At one supermarket, they sold not one diet softdrink in the entire store. Husband must have diet, since he's diabetic.)<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409685106891845298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm29tVMAbZhMbJzVvlWrgbaCUFfEqdoo8EG-UGlnuNYHDH5fumO5qLW1F1VLeyodmtYOCqw8XPh4TjTHqRzpYTcE3CVSdlfrD8O4sMybP2J4bG0NFjsknH-G9fo9LO1rMycIRp-dYfuIy/s320/samoan+holiday+155.JPG" /> Market shopping. The in-season fruits were divine! And cheap!<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409685103137829842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV199XJD_jKQk12el-q_79sJemuVBlH-FgCHLVVdil7_i70sM6lYnClICgFXFOHgUNtaNoiHAxCChc4Mhr9v7hfNuxvlw9Kpqd55a0QKzOeXhy74JY2kceel7Ld7Rz99rL3881GDlsv_DX/s320/samoan+holiday+126.JPG" /> Local transport. Jump in the back of a mate's car ...<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409685096339364530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg566uMCyRc15JkUxZz8YbBNEgC8ehDyAbSFY8EZeJTKC_S5kB-WiaFvo4WUmxCRqCa95RLTBFInwpYg4h0x_1rXzXeQkS-kgLeoCFg2yymhzVlk4NMTxqBxio09wAXmeSla4jvZsbjMbHv/s320/samoan+holiday+124.JPG" /> Or grab a bus. Open-air (air-conditioned, and the locals sit on each other's laps to make room for spoiled tourists. Though one man told us he preferred the busy buses, so he could get pretty girls to sit on his lap!)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409685087339042914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jFpcWPWsSOz-xooNjHuHVQbCfz0NWMpjFz6PZ4Ykq-S8EbLQnnZmsqxC9Rz0PfG5YFw072GhpBcej6dy4eIIjByDfBkYq1FjmA7u6irKeVrgBMXvcNr1t7AZVjQufgffDmpbWT8LjX7i/s320/samoan+holiday+090.JPG" />A must-purchase - Vailima beer. $5.80 tala for 750 ml in the supermarket; $12 in the resort.<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-7153372422276295472009-11-27T10:14:00.000-08:002009-11-27T10:34:50.969-08:00Paradise found!I was amazed at how well I coped without social media in Samoa.<br />Okay, so the internet was slow and unreliable at best ... we had to go into Apia at one stage to get an emailed document printed out because we couldn't do it at our hotel!<br />Honestly, I thought I'd get twitchy fingers not being to update regularly. Instead, I found it easy to chill out - reading books by the pool, treating myself to a massage, walking the beach, feeding fish with the kids, and just being in the moment.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408849826531511378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguW4A8SlGiJeioMWg2BKjAredVNa3b5VNtMqHv2X3M5cN1ASmfqGg3bAB2IkU5kHqT3gN2aWTOKgpSGWJzostyO4kTmjkhhyYkX46Z1UCFlGqzHsTaj_NNFdCoAx7LQdWGXebnITY7_mGs/s320/samoan+holiday+314.JPG" />Rush hour at Aggie Grey's Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa ... we're off for drinks and the evening torch ceremony, then dinner.<br /><br /><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408849817288574338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqaZHQJiMb8akpCkwhmmJHL2JgkpeaqAf6s7cMioUbywKrkMQ3IM4qws7fUbDRQYTqdl7jF3l5yx9UuJIxcQadnwd0ZmPIxrRaH-JGSIkhZ8tjrWQVilorOWER9LILr6ejLZp7PsbfVQi/s320/samoan+holiday+389.JPG" />Catching crabs. No really!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408849811673966226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduDmKgR0iYSiKaes12aLGQ-h7V0Y9wqQNiKa5iiYmh5pkOWlBXeQF_nm-8dnXf78rGu9FfS99Gy95uHJ7f_bt5hNRY6hAF2ttY7M35xI4sl_jXfLt8EVfaJ0vNFTsgBGWD-ccJFXk6UeD/s320/samoan+holiday+305.JPG" />Miss 6 loved the tropical attire<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408849806285964002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAvXyy4VpoqZLOaWZOHPP_vuRGDUATAeSVgD5nRgQOfG8KktjvwfOfhbu78opmfs3RHn4Np5kuK4hoDuEoRIngsowFEjJhbt28aoi1F7g8YEGkusVOVUq-UB_1Q4E3uk_e3FgZuUJKo2F/s320/samoan+holiday+134.JPG" />Male bonding<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL4kR2cQOtva1-Tb_BfLBds4GhMDm8vugqQLvU3pqcDCeqzR5iKRpCjCTQux89n-iUIcbAI1SL8b_oijIt0-IfZa2uTc0lsB33hX7rZjW6goedzr8glTa1A2H0UVoJl9U_7mmLxf02Pef/s1600/samoan+holiday+084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408849794267559778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL4kR2cQOtva1-Tb_BfLBds4GhMDm8vugqQLvU3pqcDCeqzR5iKRpCjCTQux89n-iUIcbAI1SL8b_oijIt0-IfZa2uTc0lsB33hX7rZjW6goedzr8glTa1A2H0UVoJl9U_7mmLxf02Pef/s320/samoan+holiday+084.JPG" /></a>Chilling out and wondering what to do next. Pool? Kid's Club? Feeding the fish? It's a tough life!<br /></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-35524689709657562452009-11-26T19:22:00.001-08:002009-11-26T20:05:52.592-08:00Aussies in ... SamoaIf I've been a bit slack about blogging lately, it's because, well, I've been slack. In holiday in fact, in beautiful Samoa!<br />We had an awesome holiday, and created loads of amazing family memories. The people were so friendly and gracious, and I've become rather used to being treated like a Princess, I must say.<br />Who is going to bring me cocktails, and give me coconut milk massages now?<br />It was an unwelcome return to reality this morning, when Husband and ruggies both forgot my birthday. Hmm ... I'll let them off this time, but only because we only arrived home last night and after all, I have enjoyed plenty of treats over the past couple of weeks.<br />More posts and details to come ... and I warn you, I will bore you to tears with happy holiday snaps.<br />But in the meantime, here are a few images to get you started...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408626210438859138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKQKJ8259tq11AUFdw5TEKHjmONv-e7URSMPGi5T_4fHz5eTctL4JQCkvgg1uffV6PT_o8CjklPSNtF6TIVCBCwldNvmLA81u7HT8X0lpsGxOs9xQSlbCRjn2OF_rpZP5-g3Va2s0rpWs/s320/samoan+holiday+341.JPG" />Just another morning in paradise...<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t5ZqkIz8z5pRfRKLJUO5bCA3gay4WGvsmE0B1Tj83TXvxMAoRfJemuLB1GhOkwL4s029TlzS-aZmjLkp0XyluAEuHIRL07eDkBWv5k0heFWjJ2WhTJiezNZ_HAEJKF-Aosrz3jjM17jY/s1600/samoan+holiday+346.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408626192264725090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t5ZqkIz8z5pRfRKLJUO5bCA3gay4WGvsmE0B1Tj83TXvxMAoRfJemuLB1GhOkwL4s029TlzS-aZmjLkp0XyluAEuHIRL07eDkBWv5k0heFWjJ2WhTJiezNZ_HAEJKF-Aosrz3jjM17jY/s320/samoan+holiday+346.JPG" /></a> Mmm ... young coconut milk. Freshly husked and opened with the bare hands of a handsome young warrior, Samoa Joe<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xcayDtigtgr__bAFAs0ZB8_5C65GCAvz4CO5I0ACIzkz02jU4pa7jQHKhTx7KOlMQo5ZICukXnv-8VaSU1jQKwcofRYY2HyqprcfNp1-UC1Jz7KndlsGPiK0Inz8bpzKXMqigM2wGvlm/s1600/samoan+holiday+184.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408626186778324002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xcayDtigtgr__bAFAs0ZB8_5C65GCAvz4CO5I0ACIzkz02jU4pa7jQHKhTx7KOlMQo5ZICukXnv-8VaSU1jQKwcofRYY2HyqprcfNp1-UC1Jz7KndlsGPiK0Inz8bpzKXMqigM2wGvlm/s320/samoan+holiday+184.JPG" /></a> The water was deliciously warm - and full of fish and other marine life. Plus a few humans!</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho92aXB7lPUl6YZY3fTboTMe4rZdJ8825UacAxZr0B8W-El62zg5uapbaYxCvReHLCry9-FDNrof7c8ScOZB_cc8GUxqOI79j-4v1BXmk82qKJ7knEv8MwSYJexDuT66QExE05hHsVSx42/s1600/samoan+holiday+132.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408626174337019842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho92aXB7lPUl6YZY3fTboTMe4rZdJ8825UacAxZr0B8W-El62zg5uapbaYxCvReHLCry9-FDNrof7c8ScOZB_cc8GUxqOI79j-4v1BXmk82qKJ7knEv8MwSYJexDuT66QExE05hHsVSx42/s320/samoan+holiday+132.JPG" /></a> Missy relaxing after a hard day, er, relaxing<br /></div></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-24798413832970618072009-11-12T16:23:00.000-08:002009-11-12T16:51:30.724-08:00A taste of FranceWhen Nana came to stay recently we asked her if she had any requests, in regard to sightseeing. Her immediate reply, after reading my blogs (Tourism New Zealand, you really should start kicking back...) was to visit a few markets I've written about.<br />So off we went to one of the nicest markets we've come across in Auckland - La Cigale in Parnell.. Even though it was probably the least friendly. At least on our first visit.<br />On our first visit, we couldn't get near the cheese-tasting area, and a nasty man whipped a chair out from beneath Husband's bottom as he was about to sit down. People pushed in and rushed past, and almost knocked over the kids who got rather upset.<br />But still - the food and produce - was lovely.<br />So we tried again.<br />This time we went early, and the market was a lovely experience. People were friendly and laid-back. Tastings were available and the kids got loads of attention, much to their pleasure. Many stall-holders had brought their very friendly dogs, and there was room for everyone. (Except at the cheese-tasting stall.)<br />We enjoyed a few nice coffees, breakfast, and picked up plenty of produce to enjoy back home.<br /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403379730759365922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KT9lztfQXmNQQX0mP729KwSh_nw9iVc3bZJwbvisGd_SVKz1TQK8Xxf0uYJs-kRL2YedAweUu01tjOBZZaboHJphCjAUdFJN4yn4Qp4O3ZXppZOuR1YY8RdsbICbJxMDnaHszSWqHRg0/s320/nana+and+more+027.JPG" />Ham on the bone ... sandwich, anyone?<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403379725390209554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7SZdeD8TrLGsix-2U_VHjLRYk1EgAcnYwlJo3T5TmQ5eArpDZ0fxpiirC_0pYjmuWUravTe-H9q43r3G-G4vdXMoa3daz8pSmJj1wuZIRWdor9LpwSjdM3yoGfvimp5VA6bk_eYvzCqI/s320/nana+and+more+026.JPG" />You can buy pretty much anything here!<br /><div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403379184786576962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsAEJ285YdzP4R_UDekZwSzYvG5ATcn3SdzMWcyMAHLOh-S-50Zr8BvqZZq8ZioAr3i1oWuKIj0XTF03ddjHH0_P-urcl8DpsOhLb3cEYnRwoFiJcjrYf9WKzVxfHg5EKotUfnzfbEosu/s320/nana+and+more+023.JPG" />Handsome young man<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC7nEUalpZSiasF8IRxYV71sFiuBelACUEQwRm02JNS8PXyZlgzmjXj1fYlEBDe5Fa7snv4r1YwvcacxXt2J2JbobpMs75aVX1YlXOEgiR2x6VF1KiSdA0DsaICXhqc5d0AjdLiU0Nc2M/s1600-h/nana+and+more+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403379176655382546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC7nEUalpZSiasF8IRxYV71sFiuBelACUEQwRm02JNS8PXyZlgzmjXj1fYlEBDe5Fa7snv4r1YwvcacxXt2J2JbobpMs75aVX1YlXOEgiR2x6VF1KiSdA0DsaICXhqc5d0AjdLiU0Nc2M/s320/nana+and+more+020.JPG" /></a> Missy enjoys her first chocolate eclair.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hgwoJT7eRi53_x2Shp6ZeAqrNoqSUgBURneiICfXeVVXRjPdHjEIoSdh2XXDpA7VYVWdUCYwRo6QeA_QtKt3u4Tva_CBuFeUI30e8QyAdkjr_bosvrS7_98Rmwgpkn6AMvvzd4J8-x0e/s1600-h/nana+and+more+017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403379170326315586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hgwoJT7eRi53_x2Shp6ZeAqrNoqSUgBURneiICfXeVVXRjPdHjEIoSdh2XXDpA7VYVWdUCYwRo6QeA_QtKt3u4Tva_CBuFeUI30e8QyAdkjr_bosvrS7_98Rmwgpkn6AMvvzd4J8-x0e/s320/nana+and+more+017.JPG" /></a><br />Mmm ... eclairs<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_usFD15wJI2keaNxe318RNQoqHH5wUSHxzWBjOpstQtVUr5xhmUVqAHYu0KSpEzVYx97RTEcDP6sYMkuaD9boFf16Tk7mDoVdBHiMiVj1hJGSq0rA_BjMUkkD8RWH4iLROk3AIocSbOyL/s1600-h/nana+and+more+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403379166597985122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_usFD15wJI2keaNxe318RNQoqHH5wUSHxzWBjOpstQtVUr5xhmUVqAHYu0KSpEzVYx97RTEcDP6sYMkuaD9boFf16Tk7mDoVdBHiMiVj1hJGSq0rA_BjMUkkD8RWH4iLROk3AIocSbOyL/s320/nana+and+more+016.JPG" /></a> Husband's sausage with emmental cheese in a fresh baguette<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdzID_kSJYRxJDu4j0ffbyWRF81dc8UKXfLQvrlk_PSpDQjyfFfj3AbKGyPXT4JLk0wilNVJ1lq_bGqE_4tbPKI5cQ1-4pV9pBBeR8o5Be0kioPXPKFUEH6l4VOZ-GwSVo2_QVleKLNDI/s1600-h/nana+and+more+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403379157816209586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdzID_kSJYRxJDu4j0ffbyWRF81dc8UKXfLQvrlk_PSpDQjyfFfj3AbKGyPXT4JLk0wilNVJ1lq_bGqE_4tbPKI5cQ1-4pV9pBBeR8o5Be0kioPXPKFUEH6l4VOZ-GwSVo2_QVleKLNDI/s320/nana+and+more+015.JPG" /></a> Mr 8 loves raclette and potatoes!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAOS7Wcf4ZxazmFUMLQrWG-k6qD8VEe9w8eWWC5CtynD0AD8v17h6ppjWCJLwHRu0GNHHMRCIQ1415qvfrXHFuxTwGSGTAWJFNA9vUnOz8v9lVB8ezXIElUae3BtrCh3LxMtvdt2fI-AO/s1600-h/nana+and+more+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403378117272240770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAOS7Wcf4ZxazmFUMLQrWG-k6qD8VEe9w8eWWC5CtynD0AD8v17h6ppjWCJLwHRu0GNHHMRCIQ1415qvfrXHFuxTwGSGTAWJFNA9vUnOz8v9lVB8ezXIElUae3BtrCh3LxMtvdt2fI-AO/s320/nana+and+more+013.JPG" /></a> Mmm...raclette<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEwwRwzJt6Q1vWclBWLB0JhoyrXup4Qq1KJHm1gLKNqpDEmVOROG1NQ2vs24FRmaY7EeBm2aS5oAGok7rtBwygbVJk5wtoSoo8DcJu_A14tJF_GEfeuOwNB_5mrLX0ydkyOkbhc9upiHZ/s1600-h/nana+and+more+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403378105589974546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEwwRwzJt6Q1vWclBWLB0JhoyrXup4Qq1KJHm1gLKNqpDEmVOROG1NQ2vs24FRmaY7EeBm2aS5oAGok7rtBwygbVJk5wtoSoo8DcJu_A14tJF_GEfeuOwNB_5mrLX0ydkyOkbhc9upiHZ/s320/nana+and+more+008.JPG" /></a> Sweets anyone?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHGguUQVZXhhO7dLHJWgTnN8QzM7d0QRvmxzvOHaGApdp_5DSoSQZc909QOgE_GWWDY6X4kezbL34IOl051z5d5ILQVhru1ub3Lq4_ySuIx7YvxPenl82WvuxUWtLxFnSJqxDuca_0DNL/s1600-h/nana+and+more+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403378103947403874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHGguUQVZXhhO7dLHJWgTnN8QzM7d0QRvmxzvOHaGApdp_5DSoSQZc909QOgE_GWWDY6X4kezbL34IOl051z5d5ILQVhru1ub3Lq4_ySuIx7YvxPenl82WvuxUWtLxFnSJqxDuca_0DNL/s320/nana+and+more+007.JPG" /></a> Paella being prepared<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypF_n8WVJXlJWA7zDFc3-om2exjz83fMPJgGyU5vsVtI3-ylOHuf4f_HzYzVU32DC3fOBDFGUEQMuL3MzUwMaSNO4DTeCYz4nBIXmnfpE1fIMWd4-W-jatuNLgubekpkeJPawX4Vnrfaq/s1600-h/nana+and+more+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403378094615702130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypF_n8WVJXlJWA7zDFc3-om2exjz83fMPJgGyU5vsVtI3-ylOHuf4f_HzYzVU32DC3fOBDFGUEQMuL3MzUwMaSNO4DTeCYz4nBIXmnfpE1fIMWd4-W-jatuNLgubekpkeJPawX4Vnrfaq/s320/nana+and+more+005.JPG" /></a> Yummy asparagus<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LCim-MdhDNxiE8Df7XSzrTWUpplE5NuMfrmkH9waXyFE3WAi1jJfcR2eOZMSeIeYRaHng4avhm8okORAwMbGo-6wJT67YjDt0V0TAjTldlsv684yEMOM0XocDJ1iUSZO0dCT1Yr1GNpF/s1600-h/nana+and+more+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403378091434183074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LCim-MdhDNxiE8Df7XSzrTWUpplE5NuMfrmkH9waXyFE3WAi1jJfcR2eOZMSeIeYRaHng4avhm8okORAwMbGo-6wJT67YjDt0V0TAjTldlsv684yEMOM0XocDJ1iUSZO0dCT1Yr1GNpF/s320/nana+and+more+003.JPG" /></a> Mr 8 - loving the salmon and tuna<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-56072507537450564122009-11-10T14:51:00.000-08:002009-11-10T15:04:23.687-08:00Karma anyone?New Zealanders can be funny buggers.<br />One of my favourite things is trawling through <a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/">www.trademe.co.nz</a> - kind of like a Kiwi version of ebay, but more human.<br />Regular readers will remember my delight in seeing kiwi-shaped feijoas and penis-shaped oranges for sale - and actually being sold too!<br />Which sparked a frenzied, but short-lived obsession for fruit and vegie fondling, as I tried vainly to find my own money-making unusual-shaped produce.<br />Anyway, this week, an enterprizing Kiwi dude is selling ... karma. And not just any karma, but Good Karma! (You can never have too much Good Karma).<br />The owner claims he's been secretly storing up karma over the past two years by doing good deeds. Things like paying for lunch with friends (sometimes even with his own credit card), and helping old ladies across the road (whether they want to go or not!)<br />Anyway, this extremely virtuous citizen has so much Good Karma, he has no need for the excess and is offering it to cashed-up peeps in need. The starting bid is NZ$20. Go <a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/Health-beauty/Other/auction-253274126.htm">here</a> to check it out.<br />The Good Karma comes with an original letter of authenticity.<br />You've got to love Kiwi Ingenuitity!MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-6811700716036821362009-11-09T16:20:00.000-08:002009-11-09T16:42:08.480-08:00Unwanted visitors!As Husband guest-posted recently, something always happens when he is away for work.<br />Sometimes, it's myself or the kids getting sick. Another time, I broke my thumb and dislocated a finger. More recently, we sold our house!<br />On this occasion, some @#$% losers decided to break into our home in Auckland.<br />It's okay. We're fine.<br />This place is like Fort Knox once it's locked up - and those who know me, know I am anal about always keeping the doors locked.<br />But still it really shook up Miss 6 - okay, and me!<br />I'd put the kids to bed - Mr 8 upstairs, Miss 6 downstairs, and myself on the middle floor, watching telly, checking out Facebook updates, and making sure neither of them were sneaking out of their rooms.<br />Mr 8 - thankfully - was asleep, when Miss 6 came up and told me someone was trying to get in and yelling about drugs and alcohol.<br />"Don't be silly," I began, thinking she'd had a bad dream or was wanting some extra Mummy time.<br />But then I looked into those wide, frightened eyes and realised she was serious.<br />Sure enough, as I walked downstairs, the door handle was moving wildly, and someone was thumping on the door. (We don't have a doorbell and if you are upstairs with tv/music/cooking blaring, you can't hear when someone is at the door).<br />They were opening the letterbox and shouting things like: "Let us in! Come on, we've got the drugs, everything you want."<br />My immediate reaction was to tell them to bug off. In slightly ruder language.<br />They just laughed and continued yelling and thumping.<br />I told them I would call the cops, and they continued opening the letterbox and shouting. And mocked me. "She's calling the cops .... hahahaha!" So I did.<br />While I was on the phone, of course the would-be visitors scampered off. Real big men they were to scare a mum and six-year-old, who I must say, was being very brave.<br />Anyway, 111 (it's 111 here, not 000 or 911 or 999), were great. I told them the thugs had left, and expected that would be the end of it.<br />I crawled into bed to comfort Miss 6 who was now sobbing quietly. She had almost gone to sleep when the thumping on the door resumed.<br />With a sinking heart, I went downstairs and asked who was there.<br />"Police!" came a manly voice.<br />"Is it really?" I asked, peering through the curtains to see a police car right outside.<br />But it really was.<br />Despite the danger passing, two officers had come by to investigate the call. I estimate it was within about 20 minutes of my initial phone call to 111.<br />How awesome was that?<br />They were kind, polite, and thorough. They checked that everyone in the household was safe, and reassured Miss 6 that everything was okay.<br />They promised they would hang around for a while and patrol the area.<br />That they could even take the time to respond - and quickly - to my phone call was wonderful. That they could immediately calm a nervous six-year-old - okay and her Mum - was also nice.<br />To know they would keep an eye on the place? Awesome.<br />Some of my friends are cops, and I know just who and what they have to deal with sometimes.<br />It was a reminder of how lucky we are as a community to have brave guys and girls looking out for us like this.<br />For the record? We are all okay, nothing stolen or damaged.<br />And for that, I know we are lucky!<br />Miss 6 was still teary this morning, but she's also proud of how brave she was. Mr 8, I think, is annoyed he missed out on all the excitement. (Apparently, he would have kicked their butts).<br />The building manager managed to find some footage of the losers on the security camera, and we are pretty sure they were either high or drunk - or both - and had mistaken our door for someone else's.<br />It's reassuring to know it was probably a case of mistaken identity that brought them to our door.<br />But rest assured, tonight I will be locking all doors and checking them twice - and giving the kids an extra kiss as well!MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-61909554798810143082009-11-08T10:02:00.000-08:002009-11-08T10:37:48.389-08:00We're famous (well kind of)!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZDy2nIPeboS7hK660maSVV45Yi_fqo0dfqCOBg69dCEWzFgubm6Zww35MzOsimpjwzLMSsmG-AAyFXG506VH0HUt6dumUYPJ8aNbc7-bcQuHX77apwMvx_Gxdgfba1hH7L_zbo8Kn5ta/s1600-h/mummy+bloggers.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401795587660859522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZDy2nIPeboS7hK660maSVV45Yi_fqo0dfqCOBg69dCEWzFgubm6Zww35MzOsimpjwzLMSsmG-AAyFXG506VH0HUt6dumUYPJ8aNbc7-bcQuHX77apwMvx_Gxdgfba1hH7L_zbo8Kn5ta/s320/mummy+bloggers.jpg" /></a> Here it is... the story in last weekend's Canvas magazine, in the New Zealand Herald.<br />And if you're interested, you can read it online <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10607030">here</a>.<br />The photo is courtesy of another Mummy Blogger featured in the story, Faery Sarah whose blog is <a href="http://www.bobbyrobin.co.nz/">www.bobbyrobin.co.nz</a><br />Meanwhile, back in Auckland, it's been a busy time with Nana visiting from Brisbane.<br />The kids have enjoyed having some special Nana time, and catching up on cuddles.<br />Each day, in-between finishing work and school run time, G. and I usually hit the shops.<br />We found a really cool fashion store on Manukau Road, Epsom, called <a href="http://www.tda.co.nz/">T'da</a> which sells, and I quote, "fabulous clothes for curvaceous women".<br />I was loving the size guide:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J5aUB8MH264zLUdycOk3QSQoqpBCpv2izADB06PL9Y84_KO8Aw5V24m_MueptLTrltj6v_bNXyaEuezroty5OxD04Qw-wpijcOVKWxYiaS59OGiCoDlIYMApqNEQbQFGlg1sgbszfEQH/s1600-h/nana+and+more+046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401795583276871378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J5aUB8MH264zLUdycOk3QSQoqpBCpv2izADB06PL9Y84_KO8Aw5V24m_MueptLTrltj6v_bNXyaEuezroty5OxD04Qw-wpijcOVKWxYiaS59OGiCoDlIYMApqNEQbQFGlg1sgbszfEQH/s320/nana+and+more+046.JPG" /></a>In nearby Mt Eden, we found <a href="http://www.antiquealley.co.nz/">Antique Alley</a>, an Aladdin's Cave of old jewellery, chinaware, coins, and pretty much anything you could think of. Seriously, I was scared to move lest I send the whole lot tumbling down in the style of a Russian forklift driver! And G. was thrilled to be able to pick up a few bargains to add to her collection back home.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUmkSgfuNZcr4feQx0RsiHr_mSn69tOalomTiZTr6ckbmg6JhWK9VGaJ_ySRSKUIn_jSDcFk5vZ45A8SJiOj-XJj_A7N4KEXVmHjOF9yeKt99SIICitUGFS9GMqCctftiQJwgJUKnScq3/s1600-h/nana+and+more+048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401795579596749010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUmkSgfuNZcr4feQx0RsiHr_mSn69tOalomTiZTr6ckbmg6JhWK9VGaJ_ySRSKUIn_jSDcFk5vZ45A8SJiOj-XJj_A7N4KEXVmHjOF9yeKt99SIICitUGFS9GMqCctftiQJwgJUKnScq3/s320/nana+and+more+048.JPG" /></a> The shelves were packed!<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401795572311949554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVMQc9SOiucihTnkLA3erL168FvP3Ry75sqFzJRzzc2xSV704YM33VKHy05gnPdGQg6aiSs0MBTFDFLiMNh9YkULWOAETisknNGy7Gct0Efhx4eTnSEsbECNu9kY-40K1KbH3HdkYathO/s320/nana+and+more+047.JPG" />In fact, pretty much all available space was taken up with beautiful old things.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi706FbXmLNbpQ6STCg_wvr9DeiyGPFeogTTvav2ptiq-oJFBU-YFeV1FA3lZ1jCLOPwNMrisNyU6aOn0_rDISHivF2RlV0gLY3HAr8s9ZgOwjp8RQWTj1XjqG58xH6zfbcoamcP0gDkvow/s1600-h/nana+and+more+045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401795567201099842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi706FbXmLNbpQ6STCg_wvr9DeiyGPFeogTTvav2ptiq-oJFBU-YFeV1FA3lZ1jCLOPwNMrisNyU6aOn0_rDISHivF2RlV0gLY3HAr8s9ZgOwjp8RQWTj1XjqG58xH6zfbcoamcP0gDkvow/s320/nana+and+more+045.JPG" /></a> Another antique shop, this time <a href="http://www.yvonnesandersantiques.com/">Yvonne Sanders Antiques</a>, back on Maukau Road, Epsom. </div><div>Nana found a few more beautiful pieces here too. </div><div>Does anyone else have any fabulous shops they want to share?<br /><br /></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-36977558781936980762009-11-04T16:36:00.000-08:002009-11-04T17:15:36.690-08:00The hills are alive ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK5-cpbyGOgaKYNyqCZuVkwItBhJyq_cIeZIqSAFNSl6e_pdXQyukcc2nEmAHcmGU-CSP20-jDedXxO3brzUM8hXicC05Ha5ZVloxNMimV8TGChFqN52dyLkAWtc-9FGpdhITz_ilFj24/s1600-h/mummy+bloggers.jpg"></a>The hills around Auckland are alive with the sound of ... fireworks!<br />Yes, today is Guy Fawkes Day! Technically, that's celebrated tonight, with fireworks and friendly gatherings. In Auckland, however, Guy Fawkes seem to involve fireworks being let off at random times and places for days - and nights -beforehand.<br />Also, there are dudes selling fireworks from their sheds, garages and even the back of their cars.<br />Even weirder, you can buy them at the supermarket, along with other essential home items, like eggs, bread and milk. What The?<br />And today, to my great delight, quite a few bangers went off from a guy's van, just up the road from the post office. A few of them shot, smoking, out into the middle of the road.<br />I've said it before and I'll say it again: There is always something happening in Auckland!<br />Speaking of which, the other day a young woman walked up Queens Street, dressed in black and - wearing her hot pink undies over the top of her clothes. If only I'd had my camera!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlPj9NFyCpHYgB7qAhyphenhyphenE2861h3Oxb6dk7fDBmuEV6nroVVWpfxaRydnWYOzC1Mz5WoCOEi3SAktAl-NYh1OX549v5uG86LzSc-M8CRSjjVHH7TvMgCMqaVXDjUjIXk7SUY8ZXre7QnOUT/s1600-h/nana+and+more+050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400414488081305218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlPj9NFyCpHYgB7qAhyphenhyphenE2861h3Oxb6dk7fDBmuEV6nroVVWpfxaRydnWYOzC1Mz5WoCOEi3SAktAl-NYh1OX549v5uG86LzSc-M8CRSjjVHH7TvMgCMqaVXDjUjIXk7SUY8ZXre7QnOUT/s320/nana+and+more+050.JPG" /></a> Fancy a few fireworks with your food? (Apologies for my poor photography skills. That is why I am a journalist and not a photographer)!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel1kytes0ijuDtiTrvFz1xlmRATqecvii0O9ewHwkw20lrIrjvH3kthDzCKxI5PTqwjDeVPaHONtBQY9vVTRkD9ksxCuMiFNV2c107zF1iMjFUe2wOXMIMKDXa5MR7NIOlus9YEfiGKqG/s1600-h/nana+and+more+052.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400414482725814530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel1kytes0ijuDtiTrvFz1xlmRATqecvii0O9ewHwkw20lrIrjvH3kthDzCKxI5PTqwjDeVPaHONtBQY9vVTRkD9ksxCuMiFNV2c107zF1iMjFUe2wOXMIMKDXa5MR7NIOlus9YEfiGKqG/s320/nana+and+more+052.JPG" /></a> Delights of the World anyone?</div><div>Seriously, I do pity the animals though, and parents of small children. Keep them safe tonight!</div><div> </div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-28371955472708266852009-11-02T19:29:00.000-08:002009-11-02T19:59:30.945-08:00I want candy!It's been even busier than usual for the Aussies in Auckland.<br />First, Husband's Mum arrived for a visit from sunny Queensland. The kids got an early mark off school so they could pick her up from the airport, much to their pleasure.<br />We spent a very pleasant weekend, eating and drinking far too much! The kids have also enjoyed showing off their swimming, reading, and gymnastics skills.<br />Of course, Saturday night was Halloween, and after experiencing their first in Auckland last year, our own little monsters were raring to go!<br />Later, we ended up at our local pub,<a href="http://www.thedrake.co.nz/"> The Drake</a>, for dinner. It's a relaxed kind of place, and best of all, it's within walking distance (although poor Nana regretted not wearing a jacket!)<br />Finally, Miss 6 and I were greeted like minor celebrities when we arrived at school on Monday.<br />Why? I'd been featured in a story about Mummy Bloggers in the <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/">New Zealand Herald's </a>Canvas magazine over the weekend, and H. was in the photo with me. (Mr 8 could have been too, but the publicity-shy one declined).<br />As a journalist, it's not a big deal for me to feature in the media (after all, if I expect other people to do it, I have to be prepared to join in too). But it was cute to see how impressed H.'s little friends were.<br />Look out! There's another media diva in the making!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399716183828957218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzqRRNPV8lCmFApOOF9eKMFJOQlM5HvO4khxg9Rf1a0kzcPBIFDTAJL4nOAdYD05sjcbKrCwViJ0aYHcWuAjhx3BgNCjL8qexeMDV9TgSIslbieVvX0aBVAk6lwaGCj235JJ41SB0PKo9/s320/nana+and+more+044.JPG" />Missy eating chips and aioli at The Drake<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399716173522334754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjebjP4uIPXs_RRTWzIi9KMxj0vj1aq3oNiejP0PhNohIgn4QuCFwUiVp0SZc9XRlu-8p9JzpNTkexZ9TMNu9DoDFXgELtAzovbFwg31ohygqrUzppiqkBeSQK-WuUS5ERrNOJYNT__F3/s320/nana+and+more+043.JPG" /> My pan seared salmon with asparagus and capers<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399716168760886098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpCGOAZb5Xtu3q13coFPsN634-szNZl6Jv54XQJFWYaL7RFVoXiQHxzIfg_cErFBja2IVX9LNMrekNqEGoFWwzXm4O_EibFG9rV-t88RM29esrvIZv0WdFbEY9W3ypJSvSLKaTamKth4x/s320/nana+and+more+042.JPG" /> C. happy with his adult portion of gunard and chips - no kids' meals for him!<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399716165050685138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZCetUxSQp-ESGRlL6Ypg5P1VLwmIhgvXV-AlEBE6pu4QJy51suEGTiLmdg1BbIzO9TVs1kL21tICXjIEV3XRcXY0sBNQnVNYgVd1noZwvHhPjsqd5O7Y8bfKysETGK7voFtZu_4fIC2Z/s320/nana+and+more+040.JPG" /> Husband's cottage pie and chips - the ultimate in comfort food!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399716158718730386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eIQDCXVR2dj99qv7vvfs0N2oAxE3TvqAzz567CdVyxlJ4ItjvuBCJLU8dECEEaQ5YGp8oWntozGK4b4R8-_RPIw2uzM_yYHEG-tlngmXCkobabO4UFvl45GNFPUI4xzBRZO4qpvg1Led/s320/nana+and+more+039.JPG" /> A platter of yummies to share<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399715268326883698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahSe3pDMDtwrsEo80_gia1amPC6r_ZFjN7w7DYkeDB_rsNwVPom1_r6J89Gk3q1lSPvw_nhTZI6qASyU3OIQbkE7nyw6OupNjp8hTOxq75iTr667vea73F66CjB8yfI-mYMq84pf48jtS/s320/nana+and+more+035.JPG" /> Nana gets some kiddie love!<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399715261471864402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36w_ducfx9L8deBJXRnBH12xQio_qShyphenhyphenw3YEsKxbK0zzQq2X-zCJ9hZGjkPoI9WB62chOEZcEgs6EpkawOhO1l5Aer5ATEScxmXJXcmv_AcLbsT3r2GU4r-IdRTWVm0-0X5Y-3T-H8L3M/s320/nana+and+more+034.JPG" /> The kids knocked high and low in their search for Halloween lollies.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399715257034628642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hh-ANwyJti2gORGaDOrHbfU3tyhfCg3X2VtmiFO53haKcdVshqLOW0g5tXSJomPZns3axp0R85vFmm58pzXia3_GtrCaFmgdOvc6XkVCFi_QOpu6q_ZTkLii-nSRebB8RCd9cgKeOZa9/s320/nana+and+more+033.JPG" /> Miss 6 was a princess, and Mr 8 was a monster<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399715250369222658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_S6UdL7UFHUU6Nu4in-eXsxRcGFsdUMUDIdajfohNakqholHElOMbPkrhyphenhyphenBG507ATZAdFStuQCn-fLCl2WC5Ug5pR7DlH47GHcIu57DZOkVe_ZNRG2kAbHl4eq_7XtsO9gUpe6dr44tH/s320/nana+and+more+029.JPG" /> Miss 6: You don't have to be evil on Halloween<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVXvVUtKsd40U9jfW8hIk9iWvik5Z_w1WhynutOsJM9-qObXIgllyNi4SbWwLJ15nKnRKn6av5cc2YlhxRKXeWj7Jt6s9srT2uqwRciwN7mNFKIDtM4hQiAAPKMPgJgYTQq07ORJEOzDm/s1600-h/nana+and+more+028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399715244009094898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVXvVUtKsd40U9jfW8hIk9iWvik5Z_w1WhynutOsJM9-qObXIgllyNi4SbWwLJ15nKnRKn6av5cc2YlhxRKXeWj7Jt6s9srT2uqwRciwN7mNFKIDtM4hQiAAPKMPgJgYTQq07ORJEOzDm/s320/nana+and+more+028.JPG" /></a> Mr 8: What's the point if you can't be evil?<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-20431963065266473302009-10-29T07:31:00.000-07:002009-10-29T08:00:30.096-07:00Waiwera Thermal Resort<p>Husband was away, so the kids and I decided to play during a recent long weekend, when I took them to <a href="http://www.waiwera.co.nz/">Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort</a>.<br />Kind of like a Wet and Wild, the difference is that the water is thermally heated, with several natural mineral hot pools, of varying temperatures and depths, to relax in.<br />There are also loads of water slides for the kids (and the young at heart).<br />One of the most popular spots was the movie pool – where movies are screened twice-daily, and video clips run in-between.<br />What I love about Waiwera – and I have to say most attractions in New Zealand are the same – is that not only is it family friendly, but visitors are allowed to bring in their own food and drink.<br />I’ve had it with stingy Australia tourism operators, who not only have the audacity to charge inflated entry fees, but then force punters to pay more inflated prices for mostly unhealthy and cardboard-tasting food and drink.<br />In New Zealand, zoos, museums, rollerskating centres, indoor climbing venues and more, are all relaxed about allowing visitors to bring picnics and snacks. Places like MOTAT, Waiwera, and the Auckland Zoo, provide glorious grounds for picnicking, with loads of shady trees, gazebos, and picnic tables. At one rollerskating centre, people even had pizza delivered!<br />I was out of bread (Mother FAIL), so didn’t pack a proper picnic, but we did take a cooler with cold drinks, snacks, and fruit to save money.<br />At lunch time, we shared a delicious seafood basket. (C. of course, needed more and had a hot dog on a stick as well).<br />The biggest surprise? The café made a really lovely coffee. And there were healthy options, like salad panini and pasta dishes as well.<br />It goes without saying that the kids had an awesome day. And I enjoyed it as well, especially when they graciously granted me time to soak in the Sapphire Pool. Heated to 40 degrees, I stationed myself where the aptly-named Lava Pool (48 degrees) waters ran into the pool – mmm, deliciously hot. It was like honey for my poor, arthritic bones.<br />Best of all, because the waters are natural and full of life-giving minerals, eczema-prone Mr 8 could enjoy to his heart’s content. The day at the resort actually improved his eczema rather than inflaming it, like normal pools do.<br />So a bit more about Waiwera:</p><ul><li>It’s New Zealand’s most popular thermal resort and was the Southern Hemisphere’s first spa</li><li>There are 22 pools to choose from, and 8 slides</li><li>There is a day spa there as well, which I didn’t get to enjoy because I had kids to wrangle. Maybe another time?</li><li>The healing waters have been famous since the 1840s, when people came from far and away to take the waters</li><li>Waiwera’s natural mineral water was originally called Te Rata. Translated from Maori, this means ‘The Doctor”. It is sourced from a geothermal aquifer located 1500 metres below the resort, meaning every pool is 100% naturally hot!</li><li>Independent carbon dating by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences estimates Waiwera water to be between 10,000 and 15,600 years old, making it the oldest water in the world</li><li>Waiwera Artesian Water is still bottled at the source over 140 years later! And I can vouch that it’s delicious.</li><li>It's affordable. NZ$60 for a family pass (two adults and two kids, with a current special allowing another two kids as well). Given the resort is open from 9 am-9pm each day - and you can get pass-outs - that's incredible!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398033041114529362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzOhIiNCr8lkJWPzjPMCdsXwTYavpMMedqkUFeJ-DZoTRfIkAmNoTsLmgPzzVzK9gmYFuIPal_5D-Fpp02kjSiEUx2532kjAcpnF-HAgfvt6H2lQnudod4WTImgGVr0SogRLpgiJWyNIT/s320/wairewa+018.JPG" />A couple of thermal slides<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398032618091164194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmGVAoGanh78zW_z8Zh3BmYflk5fL0S08uMsqdTNmtMPkedpVE9IzG8yooAGCwB13FpJHoi5CIgQ7XR3_uh7X1QVIR6wHwWS20Ighe8X76upXlwRdD_d0JrjEExpjgBh38a9cEt6E2JHo/s320/wairewa+017.JPG" /><br />Missy in the sapphire pool (lava pool in the background)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398032605697983298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI45dywv8EdyYZDJ9SwHfcL_vhZQGlOUnTN3s0gNZY9cIRmkexlAq9nEyD0gsTe0U4Q9Nhfi4CtXWt3QsjchZg3l_yqMQ2jUnr_kaza4DpKJxTZRI5QcfYy33eWZSLl5fRPaGKuwmZ5OnB/s320/wairewa+016.JPG" />Aaah....<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398032601190395522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPV-iP9GTk28_wxSaCUwr3e9xwDEM9tPBtFqDQ-Sl2iXHIjNMfn-YinXgIy5i7h8T66pMHPToOBjxv6_PtsKOS7sWp9Di-kUVnJmlPGsUDcVgQaHUiJNzUomG4EF6G1CJlMfDk_t53S8L/s320/wairewa+015.JPG" /><br />C's favourite slide, the Squeeze. He even convinced his sister to try it!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398032595368634786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv62n3ySw0rd8xdzJM8MoaMeUKPhrQBQGS7MTTDoZOd0hgOAHoKqBV4aY8M0s8wukON56-q1-TdKT3vw50sJfLlv8HZStqrHxrIdz1L_sPOFFsONNsVHoWrNUJ5-PQ5vsFf-71dnKN_8Cw/s320/wairewa+014.JPG" />Delicious, health-giving water<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398032587202483746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvrLAkNEaHauTvnBxWDxStn_uFBKFA4jqwhDAcoqRMge9P0RkSM8p4gShocdA0Gf-_SBWU5srgOZWv57L67NKM3zmUQIAD643Pe43YkdBKCeNFsJsgOOy3tyjHIVkm2nuIaAWE0-PrcMt/s320/wairewa+013.JPG" />Lunch time. Okay, it's not healthy, but look at how skinny he is! Wish I had his metabolism.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398030648943314290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZsSqLEAvyrtK38L1frjjBJR-kai57wt5eGGkgq6I4w-YJ19GtONyjd5QFONVH7vEp-H5NztrH5XPSZZtngiu5UUOHeelITwjQm-kq_QZhygSfzIe7YsDW2L5_bvyXHD1kZ5NPuSlOIlC/s320/wairewa+011.JPG" />Miss 6 on one of the slides<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398030641220233826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxn2v_B5ZTx6Wu_1x14w5xUsxNBJBmyftUnB960vyX_5DWkNIkTqpRBKaXL0snEqERnYCCGG_6y0mJQIF4-QXp1yXQHLqShoDeCzxlYq-cTHTRk1MbvZ0uAWlZqgI6UtbU8QoDjwwohwM/s320/wairewa+010.JPG" />She started on this one before working up the courage to become more adventurous<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398030632823368994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQUy9b512PlEsROllGUwcaZk3ViiKqVT8KtT3lfxxvbrhFOxkmCWdUjbGxLBu58fQ8x3JzbnhtjiUYNFxPUqk72KCUpE-IKDUXIEUAaqsezr5oGw_ML8eK491EZTN-m4vcISkooIL90rY/s320/wairewa+009.JPG" />More slides<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398030628637002434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo3XBNXFa5UxASv1A0I00c8PPx1oT1JZDub51tx4elHYisU6GcvLXbrxWIVtkpRlh5MKc7NlZ09jdoJf0i79E0OqGLgNXM8LXGoYKImIctGmWA1IblqjdMW3bq6SLHX9wouiKp3FxqEAP/s320/wairewa+005.JPG" />The movie pool. Kids are in there somewhere ...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO9h2Qxs9uyvbCp-kEqNKrsLY4KIFf9P6HLsjxgq6VqPaxV3KWqkEYqdFZNyO5zvD_cB3Djmx49pVI0AIgDGNVWzkoyYmkQ6n8e75dh96scrSi1lZsFZclQxix8qJlZZIwbfaSwUoFkxG/s1600-h/wairewa+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398030613232420338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO9h2Qxs9uyvbCp-kEqNKrsLY4KIFf9P6HLsjxgq6VqPaxV3KWqkEYqdFZNyO5zvD_cB3Djmx49pVI0AIgDGNVWzkoyYmkQ6n8e75dh96scrSi1lZsFZclQxix8qJlZZIwbfaSwUoFkxG/s320/wairewa+004.JPG" /></a> Oh look, I found one!<br /></li></ul>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-72209408468878158002009-10-28T11:14:00.000-07:002009-10-28T11:25:49.709-07:00He's baaack ...<div><span style="color:#ff0000;">This week, Husband returns to guest blog due to popular demand ...</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><br />So it is time that I do another guest blog for Bron.<br />The last few weeks and the next eight weeks are going to keep me extremely busy with travel (surprise surprise), with having just been through five time zones (some flying over of course).<br />I arrived home Monday morning about 2am from the airport to find that Bron is still sick, that both the kids had taken possession of my bed, and that I was missed but only a little. <span style="color:#ff0000;">(</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Bron: Hey, not true!)<br /></span>It was good to arrive back in Auckland after a week of travel, and it was great to see a few people I had not seen in a while. Paul in Perth, Rowan and Linda in Brisbane as well as Crickie, and of course Mum.<br />It's amazing though when I go back to Australia or visit family something always happens. When we last went to Oz ,we put our house in Brisbane on the market, and when I went back this time we sold it! (Of course subject to this and that).<br />Ok as to the trips coming up - I have Adelaide, Sydney, Sydney, and the ACT. In the middle of it, we're going on our family holiday to Samoa. Hopefully that will be about it. Oh and probably a few site inspections here in NZ, though I hope I wont have to fly!<br />As to other things happening around in Auckland, we have my mum arriving on Friday.<br />The kids are jumping out of their skins for her to turn up. H. keeps yelling 'Nana Nana only two more sleeps! WOOHOO'. And the little man C. just smiles and does a quiet yay!<br />Talking about the kids, they are both in trouble at the moment. C. decides every trip I go away on to play up and do things he knows I wouldn’t approve of, and then I get home and get placed in to a situation that I need to lose my cool. Grrrrrr.<br />As for H., the little minx will dob her brother in for anything, including things she has done.<br />As you can see, because I have had quiet nights away and busy days working, I came home to a not so stress-free environment. Little buggers!<br />As for Bron, since she has been sick, I thought I'd do the blog in my lunch hour for her! Hooray for Nana, only one more sleep! (And maybe some assistance with the kids for a week!)</div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#009900;">Monkey kids ...</span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397718322058429842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuP4Q8X8SKRzccdMYXVhQfFKVougZrS1jVvQ12tWHhKYFq-0CtvhvBTii4Zw0atiHeKlkSUNhtoIbMZ9M6uVlpe6m7PH_LHFLCs6sr0xOc_cV8isaObGbJWfG5YMYnwUjSmlMIrbAFNnn/s320/sept+2009+046.JPG" />MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-33734406295348134152009-10-23T12:22:00.001-07:002009-10-23T13:22:38.404-07:00Diwali henna tattoos<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395880702700748082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQdEE98ZrrYWmk4rZlVI-a_lhQK8eEJg4JGi_8n8yQaG0nfdKlwnoQisg8WesiciWfzZURsZz1zaAPVALC9o6F0NB7djgDkJyr5kXD45iJV_anP1-N_jxLC0hjiZ8RmhYjgjnO-cRlnWb/s320/henna+tattoos.jpg" />A few of you were interested in seeing the henna tattoos which were done at the kids' school in honour of the Diwali Festival of the Lights.<br />So, courtesy of their school, enjoy! Above is one of the tattoos being done.<br />The festival itself is a five-day celebration by the Indian community, which involves fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, special meals, dancing, new clothes, togetherness, and worship.<br />It celebrates the inner lightness in all of us, the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness.<br />Generally women and girl get henna tattoos as part of the celebration, and some wonderful Indian women came to the school to show us how it was done. They collected gold coin donations in return, and gave the lot to the Samoan Tsunami appeal, which I thought was lovely.<br /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395880700305657042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZNOu_o7YomA3L57el40ReTwpvAkhq1BCoeMa0J-ITKkP-u9xESULu0ZReyb87Chb-xC4ZibDUKPa-eQj3ApVetNgrv9W_5ElsUPhkmQgY8SQAT0Pi8zILjjhyphenhyphencK7UsyV-UmRIbrdobIR/s320/chase+henna.jpg" />Many of the boys lined up for tattoos too. This is actually C's paw being painted.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395880694406725154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL8wqAyQA7JdoFsA-ze3_DxgWIvP7ocVnujN6qnNZLCKQZIhtwdCg9mOEgbBiPS9pHyJk96MaVRd4K1yyiNJdoEhhn3EmFhZgZ-i77npjK0Bz6s0TLrXnBk_91KH1JNtn7QlsCn8o2CBz/s320/another+henna.jpg" /><br /><div>And this is a typical tattoo for girls.</div><div>After a while the hand/arms are washed and a red/orange outline remains. It usually lasts for at least a few days, about a week. </div><div>There's a big Indian community in Auckland, and it was wonderful to get an insight into their rich culture.</div><div> </div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-21945249820277471502009-10-21T22:08:00.000-07:002009-10-23T12:21:45.963-07:00Awake in Auckland (with apologies to Sleepless In Seattle...)What a week to leave my camera at home!<br />I took a walk up to <a href="http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/">SkyCity</a> the other day to meet some peeps from twitter. It was great to meet people I’ve been tweeting with on and off since we moved here.<br />So there we were enjoying a fairly uninspired coffee, when the fire alarm went off. Everyone ignored it for a while, as you do, but the alarm continued followed by a disembodied voice announcing something indecipherable.<br />The unconcerned wait staff continued to serve meals and drinks, as the convenience store closed and the entire kitchen staff assembled outside - chef hats and all.<br />Five fire engines arrived, followed by burly firemen carrying hoses and other gear (give me a minute here ...sigh!)<br />Finally, we called a waitress over and asked if we were being evacuated.<br />“No not yet,” she said, before handing us the bill and suggesting we might like to pay it now, just in case we did have to make a run for it.<br />Er, yes, there might be a fire or bomb in the building; your kitchen staff have been told to leave; but yes, let's just make sure the punters pay for their coffees before they all DIE or something. Service FAIL!<br />Stupidly, I didn't have my camera, so I missed capturing the whole debacle for your pleasure.<br />We paid up anyway (humph), and left, and then @wendywings introduced me to another reason to visit Auckland, Giapo.<br />Giapo is the founder of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/giapogelato#">Giapo Gelati,</a> the yummiest icy treat in Auckland. He’s also a keen twitterer and uses social media in his marketing. You can even twitter in his shop, and of course, wi fi is de rigueur.<br />Anyway, the occasion was World Chocolate Day with every flavour of gelato involving chocolate of some kind. There was white chocolate and raspberry, strawberry chocolate, orange chocolate, black forest and more.<br />For $10 one could enjoy as many cups as one’s stomach could handle.I tried the giapo rocher and moccacino before giving up in a nod to my waistline. Mmmm, it was delicious though.<br />Finally, the kids and I arrived home from school this afternoon, to find a commercial being shot right outside our townhouse. In fact, the model was posing on the window sill outside our home office!<br />The kids hung around upstairs peering over the balcony with interest and watching the scene unfold, and occasionally calling out to the crew below. The crew were lovely and I even managed to get a quick snap before they left:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395289848107848642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67D7tzD-ddMUe-n8XRxdQ5TPE_2y3XD1qV77dcZjmVu-Ls5Ximj9FLC1Rhz0CPnBdM5q0psyoErUl3HEVrghqfa885AUGTO2263rR2UyHDrz5XSk2AfBIgPlL3tC73UQSdEnjijx_5qdJ/s320/shoot+etc+010.JPG" /><br /><p>In other news, Husband has been away for work again. </p><p>I've managed to cope quite well, despite having two little bodies in bed with me most nights. Sadly, C. takes after his Mum, and is a very noisy sleeper, talking, moaning, sighing and generally throwing himself around the bed half the night. The second child spends the night at the bottom of the bed, cuddling ... my foot! (I know...)</p><p>For his part, Husband hasn't been sleeping well either, having to cope with a four-hour time difference as well as steamy weather and long hours. Then there was a red-eye flight, crammed into an economy Qantas seat next to a snoring guy who was twice the size of him. </p><p>I can't wait until he gets home - Husband, not the snoring guy - and things return to normal. And then maybe, we'll all get some sleep! </p>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-12669312053617192452009-10-15T15:40:00.000-07:002009-10-15T15:44:47.686-07:00A little light in a dark worldThe kids looked cute this morning as they set off for school. Students and teachers dressed up in holiday gear, as a fundraiser for the victims of the tsunami in Samoa.<br />What a great cause!<br />There were jandals (thongs), lava lavas (colourful sarong-like cloth), swimmers, flowers, and leis all round.<br />Of course, all this had a serious side too, and the kids all donated towards the cause of helping Samoans rebuild and recover from their tragedy.<br />Speaking of which, we’ve decided to take our holiday next month. The Samoan tourism people have asked travellers to keep their holiday plans, with tourism tipped to play a big part of the country’s recovery.<br />Yes, there may be some inconvenience, and we will probably see some terrible sights and hear horrific stories. People have pointed out that the holiday may not be as ‘good’ as before, with grieving locals too busy or sad to pamper visitors, or some areas off-limits or destroyed. But that’s nothing at all compared to what these people have gone through. If we can help in some small way by keeping our plans, and getting some of our meagre funds flowing into the community, we’re happy to. In fact, we are looking forward to visiting Samoa more than ever.<br />To be honest, I think it will be a good education for the kids, and a reminder to all of us to be thankful for our good fortune, and sympathetic and empathetic to those in need.<br />On a happier note, a few lovely Indian Mums visited school this week, to talk about Diwali, the Festival of the Lights.<br />After eating and drinking their way around Auckland Viaduct’s version of the festival on the weekend, the kids couldn’t wait to get their hands decorated with henna tattoos.<br />According to Diwali tradition, the tattoos symbolise blessings that light up the soul. They are traditionally for females, but quite a few of the boys, including Mr 8, clamoured to have their hands decorated too!<br />I wish I could post a photo, but I’m still waiting for a cable to upload photos from my camera to my computer. Dang technology!<br />Instead, let me leave you with a bit of fun from the Tourism Paeora people. Kiwis have a great sense of humour, and I’m often left chortling at advertising campaigns.<br />This one, like L & P softdrink (diet of course), hits the spot!<br /><a title="http://www.youtube.com/tourismpaeroa#p/a CTRL + Click to follow link" href="http://www.youtube.com/tourismpaeroa#p/a">http://www.youtube.com/tourismpaeroa#p/a</a>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-26961596073699308672009-10-11T17:37:00.000-07:002009-10-12T17:38:30.667-07:00Spring shivers, and the Fiasco of the Week!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIU-pPwbhmkXynLxImSnpNZkFC6YJzc-TJ2CsovWPUxwxXrzfBoufKYz8iCwxTjAs-JDZB0OrNIZQiaQKeeL35bcBTVQtNohUrWEIv63BRCYxxLAbHaKVwdQt_nPL95B_VJV0zlx41IYO/s1600-h/gee-whizz.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 50px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391509339661854050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIU-pPwbhmkXynLxImSnpNZkFC6YJzc-TJ2CsovWPUxwxXrzfBoufKYz8iCwxTjAs-JDZB0OrNIZQiaQKeeL35bcBTVQtNohUrWEIv63BRCYxxLAbHaKVwdQt_nPL95B_VJV0zlx41IYO/s320/gee-whizz.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It is with cold fingers that I type that there has been a return to frosty mornings, dark skies, and icy rain in Auckland recently. In fact, so far, spring has been more like winter than, er, winter.<br />In spite of that, we’ve managed to make the best of it.<br />Last weekend, Missy and I braved the elements to walk up the hill and into central Auckland for the annual Blessing Of The Animals.<br />Held in a gorgeous old church, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.stmatthews.org.nz">St Mattthew’s In The City</a>, the event raises funds and awareness of the work of the <a href="http://www.spca.org.nz/general/home.htm">SPCA </a>(New Zealand’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).<br />It’s a cliché, but all creatures great and small converged on the cathedral – dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, mice, rats, donkeys and even a bull!<br />We were warmly welcomed, and the presence of the animals gave the service a festive feel.<br />I’ve never had my butt sniffed at church before, but there’s a first time for everything! And Missy fell in love with a fluffy Samoyed, who kept howling along with the hymns. By the time we left, Miss 6 had a blotchy red face and streaming eyes and noses, thanks to an allergy to the friendly pup – but she still couldn’t resist bringing home a fist of his fur. (Which I later vacuumed up, accidentally on purpose. Shhh! Don’t tell!)<br />Then this weekend, we went to the Diwali Festival, the annual Festival of the Lights. The Auckland Viaduct was like a little slice of India with colourful stalls, delicious food and drinks, and loads of entertainment.<br />The kids had a few days at vacation care each week, while I caught up on work, but we also had lots of fun swimming, rollerskating and rock climbing. (Well the kids did the last two. Husband banned me from anything too physical, due to my predilection for falling over and breaking and/or dislocating things).<br />I can’t post photos, because I’m waiting for a new thingamajig to put in the wotsit on the computer, but I’ll upload them as soon as I can.<br />Meanwhile, in a return to the Wine of the Week, let me present <a href="http://www.fiascowines.co.nz/">Fiasco Wine’s </a>Gee-Whizz Gewurztraminer 2008.<br />I was lucky enough to win a bottle recently, and wasted no time cracking it open. (My infamous Fall Up The Stairs which ended up in wedding and engagement rings being cut off was judged ‘The Fiasco Of The Week’ in a recent competition. Glad my clumsiness was good for something!)<br />The company describes their wine better than I ever could:<br />“Our Gee-Whizz was harvested with soft hands, then gently squeezed like a lover, and fermented slowly to retain the intense Fiasco flavour. We’ve had a ball getting it from vine to bottle and now it’s your turn to enjoy our wine, the one that can only be pronounced after a few glasses!”<br />It was delicious, cool, light and tasting just slightly of ginger, flowers and lemon. Cheers!</div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-76380900283914357002009-10-01T15:32:00.000-07:002009-10-02T01:26:17.798-07:00Beware the salami ...The first week of the school holidays is almost over, and the kids have been having a ball.<br />So far, they’ve been swimming, dancing, and roller-skating (you should see the bruises). They also went ‘indoor camping’ at vacation care. Oh, and they’ve had a quiet day at home after C. was violently ill one night – from both ends. Poor kid. And poor me who had to clean up all the mess. I kept them both inside and quiet the next day as a precaution.<br />It’s been a sad week too, with all the natural disasters occurring around the world. The Samoan earthquake and Tsunami, in particular, hit home. As some readers know, we’ve booked a family holiday there in November. But it’s not just that. Many Samoans live in New Zealand, and have family there. And its proximity to NZ means its not just a popular holiday destination, but that Samoans are like family to this country. Quite a few Samoan kids attend our school, and I can’t help wondering what all this means for them and their families. It is unimaginable what they must be going through.<br />Friends have asked if we’ll still be taking our holiday, and I guess, we’ll have to wait and see. If, like the Thai people after the Boxing Day tsunami, the Samoans want foreigners to visit and help them rebuild after this tragedy, we’ll be happy to go. I just feel so sad for those who have lost family, homes, income and even the clothes on their backs, that it would be silly to worry about a holiday.<br />I feel doubly blessed because we had wanted to be in Samoa this week! We’d tried to book for the school holidays, but it was way too expensive, being peak period. So we waited for a better deal, even though it meant we'd have to take the kids out of school for a week. I don’t even want to imagine what would have happened if we had been there as we’d hoped.<br />On a lighter note, there have been some funny things to happen this week.<br />One morning, H. asked me if we were going to get salami. Yes, I told her, we’ll get one when we go shopping. “No a BIG salami,” she said. Okay, I said. We can probably get a big one. “No, a really big salami that will wash over us and take us away!” she said, all wide-eyed and concerned.<br />Of course, she meant tsunami, and was worried about what she’d been hearing on the news. Bless.<br />What was really funny, was, when the whole of New Zealand was on a tsunami alert, and some areas were being evacuated, a percentage of the Kiwi population decided to go down to the beaches and wait for it. And they say Aussies are mad! Click to see the NZ Herald's gallery of the <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/image.cfm?c_id=1&gal_objectid=10600389&gallery_id=107688">Kiwi Tsunami-watchers ... </a>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201772033007009434.post-81604492341236118612009-09-27T17:19:00.001-07:002009-09-27T19:56:04.930-07:00School's out!School's out in New Zealand, but not after a hectic couple of weeks.<br />First there was the school art show - where the kids proudly displayed their work created during the term. As usual, there was a sausage sizzle, with wine and beer for the adults, and cordial for the kids.<br />It was great chatting to the teachers and other parents in such a relaxed atmosphere.<br />During the evening, teachers displayed their own art work and there was a silent auction so parents could bid on the masterpieces.<br />Bidding started slowly, with just $1 and $2 bids rolling in, until naughty Husband took over and started bidding in $15 and $20 increments to get things rolling. You would never have known that he used to be an auctioneer - not!<br />A few of the teachers were upset not to get any bids, so we put a few sympathy bids in too...and ended up picking up a painting for $10. Bargain, don't you think?<br />The final week of school wound up with a concert by C's class. He proved to be a dab hand on the bongo drums, and even sang the New Zealand National Anthem (I didn't even know he knew it!) H. loved applauding her brother and their friends.<br />The kids are growing out of their shoes and jeans, so we took them to Otara Market on the weekend. This is seriously one of the best places in Auckland to pick up cheap clothes, shoes, and ... well, pretty much anything really.<br />It was a pity about the weather - cold and wet - or we would have picked up some fruit and vegies too.<br />On Sunday, I put the kids to work, by taking them with me to see a film I'm reviewing, Ponyo.<br />It's so different to any other kids movies I've seen, like a storybook come to life. The kids were mesmerised and C. declared: 'It's not normally my thing, but I liked it."<br />Guess it will be getting the thumbs up then!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386321245895807618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMywmrE1M-1ekqgWAyDGK-1sGRPHNkXwJZv5PYmU01eFXC5zV3JSwkWRmnV01GCp2KoPuYUlu5pHYYqqj5_2sr4alU-pi7q_BJwaYqWXLu3rF8lFRy6Hnzcenag3-TbdVRAQn9w1Enm9V/s320/sept+2009+163.JPG" /><br />The painting we won, by the head of the junior school<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386321231362060130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymCZrxNAwecFKFKU8UMHg9wZH2Nx6LLLKARjrjO4UvXFoDaDvRH9a2dmQISu5kjmnFEZjMIuJ5_nnByfZu9Mwk-tzU3iP6W9x-f_cXshEDgZyuzqcfX-96v52oxgHLLBePNDeGJLAwfog/s320/sept+2009+103.JPG" />One of H's pieces<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A_PKkQS0rUlsyD0bFkLwtwILcrUaOCNfyJJMdyYpLfG7_Mo3L5je1fWJIDoX6w3WUHmcw_E2jP-smXnwwboyG3fI4aFJ96ywD17A1L6Jre7pULI3fKFufWJSWfJHAuDpr8M77IbkX7oY/s1600-h/sept+2009+092.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386321223949809714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A_PKkQS0rUlsyD0bFkLwtwILcrUaOCNfyJJMdyYpLfG7_Mo3L5je1fWJIDoX6w3WUHmcw_E2jP-smXnwwboyG3fI4aFJ96ywD17A1L6Jre7pULI3fKFufWJSWfJHAuDpr8M77IbkX7oY/s320/sept+2009+092.JPG" /></a> And the Little Dude with another of his (he was rather prolific)!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghg-NcnsaUI-te-PKSWG6VZygRwS-3fEFtS0gn25AzFwd5eptmvafX47jFZ-MC-leO1aYNtn0iADjzT-1vIan0dzI1Se-jKbAdxqsw215fYK4_6eEBtX_s_87fmY_Cw8_RWqRjou4R_0cF/s1600-h/sept+2009+160.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386321221420024098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghg-NcnsaUI-te-PKSWG6VZygRwS-3fEFtS0gn25AzFwd5eptmvafX47jFZ-MC-leO1aYNtn0iADjzT-1vIan0dzI1Se-jKbAdxqsw215fYK4_6eEBtX_s_87fmY_Cw8_RWqRjou4R_0cF/s320/sept+2009+160.JPG" /></a> Otara Market, where you can get just about anything - including contact lenses ...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBCGpFaZFA_rbe0QR7UEV7s3MASuqfvD-l3dQlX1wyOb64utIhJsC-8_dVZEukFc2tV76mDXWPO3C0SdfrEnMpqt5EqJYeiSb0v998NIWtkOjBighfBKGL0-sKyca_07wIFGzqU5hrXOY/s1600-h/sept+2009+159.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386321210578607458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBCGpFaZFA_rbe0QR7UEV7s3MASuqfvD-l3dQlX1wyOb64utIhJsC-8_dVZEukFc2tV76mDXWPO3C0SdfrEnMpqt5EqJYeiSb0v998NIWtkOjBighfBKGL0-sKyca_07wIFGzqU5hrXOY/s320/sept+2009+159.JPG" /></a> I've always wanted a Mumu...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6Tc3cN_U7XZMfPAfAkzdJB-egn2VkCNJBryzfh4pYFTTcFY1OiIyrecc2hmROq4DdK-ZZzXjUpcv8KILn8pUo6_M3rimk-vRh-HkzLEeoEqDyE4gEh9uoE1MefcWm2fzLXlzaHrislH2/s1600-h/sept+2009+158.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386320177535807266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6Tc3cN_U7XZMfPAfAkzdJB-egn2VkCNJBryzfh4pYFTTcFY1OiIyrecc2hmROq4DdK-ZZzXjUpcv8KILn8pUo6_M3rimk-vRh-HkzLEeoEqDyE4gEh9uoE1MefcWm2fzLXlzaHrislH2/s320/sept+2009+158.JPG" /></a> Big spender<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccKIO9UzEoU4oRpKyubKkGdySajkehyjcyxht0J7DkGeUt8AW7r_4fVsxyFxLOgEgrMc0DLCd3BiY7RAWVQfIOUlDZLNuM2t0hpl5J42Fo5r8g6R-CK51mkQ_SN7ed2b-FZ-USXjv-t7u/s1600-h/sept+2009+155.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386320168891343090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccKIO9UzEoU4oRpKyubKkGdySajkehyjcyxht0J7DkGeUt8AW7r_4fVsxyFxLOgEgrMc0DLCd3BiY7RAWVQfIOUlDZLNuM2t0hpl5J42Fo5r8g6R-CK51mkQ_SN7ed2b-FZ-USXjv-t7u/s320/sept+2009+155.JPG" /></a>Colourful stalls<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOLYnV0yTpQO47CoBb-Jqmw2dq1a5d3OxMFTcOMcomJGBq4u0TolaoVAjm7m6SIS_AI19ZM0zhgbjEtbayFx6CETN3suySQc7G6GqZntzw3V5DGPdMl3Y_XaUZ7CsUnil36sGEOYR6ZKQ/s1600-h/sept+2009+154.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386320157580570242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOLYnV0yTpQO47CoBb-Jqmw2dq1a5d3OxMFTcOMcomJGBq4u0TolaoVAjm7m6SIS_AI19ZM0zhgbjEtbayFx6CETN3suySQc7G6GqZntzw3V5DGPdMl3Y_XaUZ7CsUnil36sGEOYR6ZKQ/s320/sept+2009+154.JPG" /></a>Surveying the stalls<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2wVUq1xjD6MMJNnTXRvvgnnCWHw6Q9W6pMzfWKs6v4tsgJhfeEzWbeZWJ4HB7OKp1J4RdIRl_M0syVY0-3u1p8xGMnuaMf9_yNvl0WQ1lEJgfYbicRy1vFxrfVVVVDdWvTitPAxnjxMQ/s1600-h/sept+2009+151.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386320152335280290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2wVUq1xjD6MMJNnTXRvvgnnCWHw6Q9W6pMzfWKs6v4tsgJhfeEzWbeZWJ4HB7OKp1J4RdIRl_M0syVY0-3u1p8xGMnuaMf9_yNvl0WQ1lEJgfYbicRy1vFxrfVVVVDdWvTitPAxnjxMQ/s320/sept+2009+151.JPG" /></a> Missy and a Fluffie (babycino)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVt7NB7_Hq1jgRh_D9RGLIwVkKMvx_0Yp4j-yQQiKd1FIahoR_6zRC8RvBo2PHVjRt5NPUqG8o3SwIM3RWEF-Aq1D7KvFEnrPrwCCXHD8GHLqzE26Fi2Pi122EKpO1uQR95zx9Jg_AEi9/s1600-h/sept+2009+150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386320138787629506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVt7NB7_Hq1jgRh_D9RGLIwVkKMvx_0Yp4j-yQQiKd1FIahoR_6zRC8RvBo2PHVjRt5NPUqG8o3SwIM3RWEF-Aq1D7KvFEnrPrwCCXHD8GHLqzE26Fi2Pi122EKpO1uQR95zx9Jg_AEi9/s320/sept+2009+150.JPG" /></a> C. chose a hot dog. An American hotdog is a frankfurt in a bun. (C. looks like he's about to shove that stick up his nose. And I don't know what's wrong with Miss Crankypants! Look at the face...)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpn3fquo0ekZ3IawyUWP4qHTbOaMv2vxuKeZYwpnkNR06eByVPSY0-bVK1Wya2mQcqhcGzR0XLNQGYkCjM_-TKh6OeHXJcZz8obdlx_30bjt5SA1EumqTbrgptASoBFrm03LG9kJm2TmK/s1600-h/sept+2009+148.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386318415156101362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpn3fquo0ekZ3IawyUWP4qHTbOaMv2vxuKeZYwpnkNR06eByVPSY0-bVK1Wya2mQcqhcGzR0XLNQGYkCjM_-TKh6OeHXJcZz8obdlx_30bjt5SA1EumqTbrgptASoBFrm03LG9kJm2TmK/s320/sept+2009+148.JPG" /></a> Coconut bread<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWJ8wsze4vezVxkeYTjTiYyDbCMONkWbovP4TaFmh_YSVJ5GwUIjduB7Whru2SmAu5ZEnRICQKLBpMpmBsKnWttaGvdHUFHyNFiof8HWE6jwELbEZhigy_a-k0jL8OIXZO0gAedHRkchD/s1600-h/sept+2009+147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386318412636611266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWJ8wsze4vezVxkeYTjTiYyDbCMONkWbovP4TaFmh_YSVJ5GwUIjduB7Whru2SmAu5ZEnRICQKLBpMpmBsKnWttaGvdHUFHyNFiof8HWE6jwELbEZhigy_a-k0jL8OIXZO0gAedHRkchD/s320/sept+2009+147.JPG" /></a>Breakfast vans ... C. is wearing my jumper because he 'doesn't feel the cold). Yeah, right. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDy2U-47lbXe7tSoXOFwxEX9wWfnZIohbBBGUIj0NLg0a-hNmgMIFNEsrra1xI2khZ9EFBR9AQMe5M_2C0nA1kW6HmpKPDMEK-O8xPLhrgiH857JRJDG1wo3-1Sp6VXDRSJ4832YtArH1t/s1600-h/sept+2009+145.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386318398256706338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDy2U-47lbXe7tSoXOFwxEX9wWfnZIohbBBGUIj0NLg0a-hNmgMIFNEsrra1xI2khZ9EFBR9AQMe5M_2C0nA1kW6HmpKPDMEK-O8xPLhrgiH857JRJDG1wo3-1Sp6VXDRSJ4832YtArH1t/s320/sept+2009+145.JPG" /></a> Hangi anyone?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQDpCXmFcl59MtoTmPskc0_0YOuyL-rnofBZ_Un2HgQdnJ4n60RdrJ96xzu99jhHgJyETjilUH0EjElaEc36A43icDsCr1yzNp4ARwHgzm4R3rexPah1QTcK3l9UeaSIcQqof3wXd0RPA/s1600-h/sept+2009+131.JPG"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MrsDesperatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763059885982353875noreply@blogger.com2