tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7272608839141855752024-02-22T05:16:49.344-08:00Taylor Family Goes Down Under!Follow our family's six-month relocation to the small town of Opunake, New Zealand, as we experience a new country, culture and people.Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-68306929812894710582011-05-29T19:18:00.000-07:002011-05-29T19:18:40.176-07:00Farewell Opunake, Arohanui<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As we ready ourselves to leave this fine country, we have found ourselves compiling lists of all of the things we'll miss. Granted, there are many things that we will be really happy to return to (garbage disposal and gas cooktop, Mexican food - Roberto's!, Rennin our crazy black lab), but there are countless things every day here in Opunake that have us waxing nostalgic before we leave. We'll miss...<br />
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The relaxed, slower pace of life. Walking to school barefoot, checking the surf on the way. Taking a family walk after dinner. Sure, you can get caught up in sports and school and work just like in the states, but somehow it really truly is different. Kiwis have a better sense of balance, I think. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cows. We'll definitely miss cows. Especially black & white ones with fuzzy brown ears. The smell of cow poo no longer smells yucky to us, it just smells like home.</span></td></tr>
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Feijoas. We've never even heard of this fruit before coming here! I guess they are similar to pineapple guavas, but we never ate those in the states...did you? Here they are offered by the bushel at the side of the road. They are sweet and delicious, and easy to eat by scooping the flesh out with a spoon. Wish I had a feijoa tree. We'll also miss the great kiwifruit we've had here...the golden kind whose skin isn't so fuzzy, so you can eat it like an apple. And the New Zealand Rose apple, so crisp and sweet. And green-skinned pumpkins - Gavin eats them straight from the pan once they've been roasted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mount Taranaki always being there to the East. Have we mentioned that before? Love seeing that mountain while biking to the store, or driving to New Plymouth, or waking up and looking out the window to see what kind of day to expect.</span></td></tr>
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We'll miss having a lake as a backyard, with black swans and paradise ducks, and a horse to eat our apple cores, and a walking trail. Griffin and I ran around the lake to try to get our flabby selves in shape (too many Opunake ice cream cones). Our family took walks around the lake in the evenings. Boys fed the ducks bread (RIP Bob). I'll miss the dawn chorus of birds around the lake - magpies, ducks and the occasional tui. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>OPUNAKE SUNSETS!</div><div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">FRIENDS!! Most of all we will miss the kind, real, big-hearted, generous, adventurous and genuine people that we have met here in Opunake. We originally viewed this adventure as a chance to really experience a different country...we hoped to travel and find natural beauty and adventure. What we didn't expect to find, but are SO glad we did, was a second home. We'll miss you all so very much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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The "girls" Mary, Sharlene, Michelle, Lori & Shelley at Headlands for an after-work cocktail.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grif with his guitar teacher Miwa</td></tr>
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Ken & Geoff at Sugar Juice. Geoff & Michelle Watt have been so kind to our family and are good friends. They gave us advice, good food and sleeping bags. Michelle looked out for Ken at work and made sure he was taken care of. Geoff took the boys surfing and paua hunting...if only he could play ping-pong...<br />
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It has been fantastic having the Park family here as fellow "Americans in town". Our boys have really enjoyed each other's company, and Ken & I are glad to have some card playin' friends in Opunake. The Ackerman and Luond families are really really special people; they are the heart of what makes Opunake such a special place. Our kids get on amazingly well. We hope to have them for a visit in the states!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Logan, Griffin, Journey, Mia, Samuel, Isaak, Gavin, Jade & Jonah...Kiwi Buddies.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Opunake</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">E noho ra</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Arohanui</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-22607868448844733222011-05-28T19:08:00.000-07:002011-05-28T19:08:51.549-07:00A farewell evening...Kia Ora everyone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmVTmQ9i0ro8CgJ0M56TbCExo4j1ejeMmOKZienWf5VPBgUMnkeyGpZirwyvdoss4c6vLeNv8iY3Sb2d0FOElJXqPt8Y27GTZyWIAeeZ0f54PQJ_rfjSSyBdX_47GJ9U2puc5b9_AQ68/s1600/IMG_1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmVTmQ9i0ro8CgJ0M56TbCExo4j1ejeMmOKZienWf5VPBgUMnkeyGpZirwyvdoss4c6vLeNv8iY3Sb2d0FOElJXqPt8Y27GTZyWIAeeZ0f54PQJ_rfjSSyBdX_47GJ9U2puc5b9_AQ68/s640/IMG_1814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang with their pig noses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Friday May 27th found us celebrating six fantastic months here in Opunake, at our favorite local eatery, Sugar Juice. Organized by Michelle, Mary, Sharlene and friends at Opunake Medical Center, it was an evening of good food and fellowship. It made us realize how blessed we have been to have been taken in by this community.<br />
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Ken gets a nice piggy kiss from Miss (?Mister) Piggy.<br />
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Kiwis have a great sense of humor...they like to roast you! Michelle and friends organized a "pig skit" for Ken, given his well circulated story of the pigs and the car keys in the Coromandel. Hilarious!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle the grand planner enjoys the show</td></tr>
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We found out tonight that not only does Jarrah whip up a mean curry, he also sings! Where else does the chef come out in his apron and belt out a few? Allen played guitar for several hours, singing kiwi classics like Slice of Heaven. It was a really nice evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDd1rHqnehCvmk4DgUM3xTZAmkyh6fmRuLU2tRricJ_37_yWykdDdLq69kfMM4ixgT8tR6xANUPp0HN1gEDeYk0cgi2zwJeRZdT7QYfcF7b2ze71opUGZkzP5Z5Og8RORDgUneeSbmOw/s1600/IMG_1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDd1rHqnehCvmk4DgUM3xTZAmkyh6fmRuLU2tRricJ_37_yWykdDdLq69kfMM4ixgT8tR6xANUPp0HN1gEDeYk0cgi2zwJeRZdT7QYfcF7b2ze71opUGZkzP5Z5Og8RORDgUneeSbmOw/s400/IMG_1846.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brent adds to the roast. He informs us that we are always welcome back to work here in Opunake, as long as we bring our own car! We have really enjoyed getting to know Brent and his wife Susie. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-57056862462914935562011-05-26T21:00:00.000-07:002011-05-26T21:00:31.731-07:00Opunake Primary School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUR0L0C6b5kNIuBh1ztoZlP6p8VlzOp05L8zc54OO5-Y6EHhMEhHp9jvK0M20PuS8itBDIkLgC9uzDGuitVqDYCV1S7g_kyN0CNy3PUX_VP_32uu_pg-owqZ3AB-BWi9XA4XUadDL9Ik/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUR0L0C6b5kNIuBh1ztoZlP6p8VlzOp05L8zc54OO5-Y6EHhMEhHp9jvK0M20PuS8itBDIkLgC9uzDGuitVqDYCV1S7g_kyN0CNy3PUX_VP_32uu_pg-owqZ3AB-BWi9XA4XUadDL9Ik/s320/IMG_1726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Griffin and Gavin just had their last day at Opunake Primary School. Despite the "hooray, no more school" cheer, both boys walked out of there a little sad after all of the good-byes. I think it surprised them!<br />
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Since day one, the school faculty have gone out of their way to be sure the boys felt welcome. This is a really cool little school, and I am SO pleased with the experience that the boys have had. Principal Lorraine Williamson is just fantastic.<br />
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Griffin with his teacher, Leo Frank. It is new for Griffin to have a male teacher, and the strong male role modeling in education has been good for him. Mr. Frank teaches the Year 7/8 class, and has his hands full! Lots of rowdy boys. He is also in charge of most of the physical education at the school, along with the boys mentoring program (another great experience for Grif) and lunch/recess games. Thank goodness he's energetic!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grif's painting on his classroom wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grif spent most of his time at "morning tea" and "lunch recess" playing sports - either basketball, rugby or bullrush.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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The school recently had a site visit from ERO, the Educational Review Office. Classrooms were decked out with student artwork. The theme of the first term was getting to know ourselves and our community, and so colorful self-portraits abounded. This is Gavin's self-portrait, with his descriptions of who he is and where he comes from in Maori. We're hoping to snag it and bring it home!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First item of business on arrival - remove shoes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin with Ms. Hale</td></tr>
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Gavin's teacher is Kylie Hale. Ms Hale teaches one of the Year 5/6 classes. She has been so kind to Gavin, making sure he feels welcome and included in groups and class activities. Her classroom is also bursting with student art and projects. She organized the most lovely farewell party for Gavin today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0G0Plcz_mu-UkY_yQXq4y6CFDGp-bOREgts9jDrkp6OZbA45woBoplRh_7A2Yp2jNMhpVAusVqKBar7M9ee8Tzqrr-l_4A7n2KYT3jCfslM0k1kNDI3rGJoQ_YC2V1CpLYA9UpEyjlQ/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0G0Plcz_mu-UkY_yQXq4y6CFDGp-bOREgts9jDrkp6OZbA45woBoplRh_7A2Yp2jNMhpVAusVqKBar7M9ee8Tzqrr-l_4A7n2KYT3jCfslM0k1kNDI3rGJoQ_YC2V1CpLYA9UpEyjlQ/s320/IMG_1276.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Griffin loved the "tech" days. On those days, students from his class would head over to the high school for some hands-on activities. Opunake schools do a really nice job of making sure that students are well-rounded, with essential life skills being part of the curriculum. Home economics, cooking and workshop are cumpulsory. Today he came home from school with a canvas shopping bag that he screen-printed and sewed himself on a sewing machine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Opunake Primary School is part of a very bicultural community. Maori and Pakeha children are equally represented. Students learn about and embrace the Maori aspect of New Zealand's history. Gavin and Griffin have learned phrases in Maori and greet their teachers every morning in Maori. I am so proud of them for participating in "kapahaka", which is, according to wikipedia <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">an avenue for Maori people to express their heritage and cultural identity through song and dance". About 60% of the students choose to participate, and they practice every Friday. In honor of the boys' departure, they donned part of their uniforms last week and performed a farewell song.</span></span></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-51819119801737768262011-05-25T11:52:00.000-07:002011-05-25T11:52:04.594-07:00Opunake...feels like home now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> The boys and I were reflecting on our stay here in Opunake yesterday while walking home from school. We agreed that we really feel at home here. The main street of town is as familiar now as the streets of Solana Beach. It is impossible to walk down Tasman Street without seeing people we know. The locals are right...it only takes a few minutes to walk from one end of town to another, but that walk takes more and more time the longer you live here. Always a wave, a greeting, a conversation...and sometimes a cuppa.<br />
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This is probably the busiest corner in town. This view is of the excellent public library as well as the bank. Directly across the street is Sugar Juice (yum) and kitty korner is John & Viola's cafe (yum). <br />
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Here's the local Four Square. Every small town in New Zealand has one, and they are all bright yellow. It's where you go for groceries if you don't want to drive half an hour, and for such a small store it is incredibly well stocked. The owners are strong sponsors of community activities. Griffin has his picture on their "wall of fame" for soccer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh4VG9H0EX5hW2u_BOcG1LTb1LDSt6q11YFYoPbkLzDqU-mEe2ZgHb8U6Fdb4gCRQgTozquDFebTT51fPXT8tfjYrIDe-ZefmMramGoHVMHipOdIukwHs2s3ks1DBbniLo3w-N6j8NJk/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh4VG9H0EX5hW2u_BOcG1LTb1LDSt6q11YFYoPbkLzDqU-mEe2ZgHb8U6Fdb4gCRQgTozquDFebTT51fPXT8tfjYrIDe-ZefmMramGoHVMHipOdIukwHs2s3ks1DBbniLo3w-N6j8NJk/s200/IMG_1373.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>On my first pass through town back in December, I thought that THIS would be the place where I would buy locally grown fresh produce. I was somewhat disappointed to learn that it was the DVD rental store...no one had bothered to change the sign for years. However, my disappointment gave way to reluctant appreciation of the vast variety of movie titles available. And...the produce at Four Square is actually pretty good, although nothing beats a bag of feijoas from a road side stand.<br />
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My other misconception on my first pass<br />
through town was that this was where I was<br />
going to buy locally raised meat. Apparently<br />
the Opunake Butchery retail shop closed the month prior to our arrival. They do, however, still offer farm kill services, of which we had no need. But with planning ahead you can order just about any cut of any beast and have it delivered the next day. I just really like the blue building with the word "meat" on it.<br />
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Love this theatre! It was started in the 1920s and is quite funky inside, with a raised balcony and large downstairs gallery. Years ago this movie house was put up for sale. When there were no buyers, it appeared that Opunake residents would be destined to drive to New Plymouth to see a movie on the big screen. The town council then stepped in to save the day. The theatre is now owned by the town, and staffed entirely by volunteers. Often there are glitches with sound, reels not working, etc. But that is part of the fun. Movies cost $8 and show twice a week: Fridays at 6pm, and Sundays at 7:30. Worked out beautifully on many a Friday evening...kids walked to the 6pm movie while Ken & I had dinner across the street at Sugar Juice. Nothing better. The movie theater is used for many town fundraisers, and is really an Opunake icon.<br />
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Just a few short blocks from the bustling metropolis of main street, you can walk around the lake admiring black swans, stroll on the beach collecting sea glass, or wander through a paddock with cows. All of which we've done quite frequently. As I wrap up this blog post and finish my cup of tea, I'm contemplating which adventure to strike out on today...Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-91609205296186980292011-05-24T15:31:00.000-07:002011-05-24T15:31:24.065-07:00Taranaki<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs2WoCfEaJTWZ1utY-Hdf9wzj3ggyX58klt1ak9dcgA6Ma2P6zKIEy-sARdntkKsvXjEMHa-NAOk44lwLPyGUI8OGNbk_7c1pXmvPfdh2NNVvDasO_P8So6BWz5Cwy-GHqP5c9Z5-mco/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs2WoCfEaJTWZ1utY-Hdf9wzj3ggyX58klt1ak9dcgA6Ma2P6zKIEy-sARdntkKsvXjEMHa-NAOk44lwLPyGUI8OGNbk_7c1pXmvPfdh2NNVvDasO_P8So6BWz5Cwy-GHqP5c9Z5-mco/s320/IMG_1419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We live in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's north island. By far the dominant feature of the region is beautiful majestic Mt. Taranaki. The region is arranged circularly around the mountain, with many streets having an "upper" part between surf highway 45 and the mountain, and a "lower" part between surf highway 45 and the ocean. Mt. Taranaki is visible from nearly everywhere you stand in Taranaki, unless your view is blocked by a large building. Given that there aren't many large buildings in the area, the views are grand. <br />
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There is so much regional pride here. Official slogan of the region is "like no other". Also found often in print is simply "legendary". The mountain is a source of much Maori folklore. Legend has it that Taranaki was originally located more north. He was in love with the beautiful bush-clad mountain Pihanga, and battled Mt. Tongariro for Pihanga. Taranaki unfortunately lost this battle, and retreated southward toward the ocean to his present day location, creating the Wanganui River on the way (remember our canoe trip...?) If interested, go to wikipedia and search Taranaki legend for the full account.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVef5S0OVlMVUg1hCxvuY_hhOBv5oJGbJgLSQVK_2DaUSRTUlon31UxiPwD4mwElG53GMA18m-MQZiwI5kj9YevJdHLkCNlhV96ZZMy1aH4h9xKzDT1c7Ms-zBQAwWKMFPgnoFw0H4iI/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVef5S0OVlMVUg1hCxvuY_hhOBv5oJGbJgLSQVK_2DaUSRTUlon31UxiPwD4mwElG53GMA18m-MQZiwI5kj9YevJdHLkCNlhV96ZZMy1aH4h9xKzDT1c7Ms-zBQAwWKMFPgnoFw0H4iI/s320/DSC_0150.JPG" width="320" /></a>The mountain is visible more days than not, but on grey days may hide beneath cloud cover. We have become so used to looking to the East and seeing that gorgeous peak. The appearance of the mountain changes with the lighting and weather conditions. Sunsets are amazing! When we arrived it was snow-covered, by the end of February all of the snow had melted, and now in May it is snow-capped again.<br />
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I can't describe what it's like to be doing something mundane...walking home from school, watching a rugby game, hanging laundry...and then to glance up to the East and have the visual treat of Mt Taranaki before me. It is easy to feel anchored here. Between the mountain and the sea, you always know where you are.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkXeqwP41rHYGPJOJQdb5XdNp-hT4dQyBuDdpaArgbHwWlG02MF0GfEtFWgmpr_GmUdS5l2CwMOOTgUGc-BMRGEwgMx56pGujN7ID06j7mebCHJ5N-82wCoWRTv5ZwuVa3c-coRNrIcc/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkXeqwP41rHYGPJOJQdb5XdNp-hT4dQyBuDdpaArgbHwWlG02MF0GfEtFWgmpr_GmUdS5l2CwMOOTgUGc-BMRGEwgMx56pGujN7ID06j7mebCHJ5N-82wCoWRTv5ZwuVa3c-coRNrIcc/s640/DSC_0155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-21230662940782538392011-05-23T20:55:00.000-07:002011-05-23T20:55:53.805-07:00Saturday Surf Sessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCFgot6jvw3DRNyX4xfj4qEMshTdmfpccyP52G3wuBlwQKsJv0fStA17zLbdM3txieIdmtkNRHmnh5cq8Z7wfDHgtRFQj5aseM5tvDdi8J0lIT05ociBMOqiirETASeyTT6u1xbsFUsk/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCFgot6jvw3DRNyX4xfj4qEMshTdmfpccyP52G3wuBlwQKsJv0fStA17zLbdM3txieIdmtkNRHmnh5cq8Z7wfDHgtRFQj5aseM5tvDdi8J0lIT05ociBMOqiirETASeyTT6u1xbsFUsk/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Every Saturday through April, Team Taylor would head straight out from our house and down the steps to the beach for Saturday morning surf. The Junior Surf Club, run by Opunake Boardriders, was fantastic and we miss it! <br />
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Instructors watched for rips and gave advice, while the kids just surfed, surfed, surfed. Many of the mornings were beautiful, and we'd all stay on the beach for hours enjoying the sunshine. Other mornings were not so pleasant, and we huddled in the drizzle until they were finished!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grif and Logan on one of those not-so-sunny days...but surf was good</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mia rocked it this day<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonah & Sue</td></tr>
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Surf Saturdays are a family affair. The littler ones or the ones who didn't want to surf all hung out on the beach making driftwood sculptures or digging in the sand or just hanging out and watching.<br />
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Team Taylor after a great session. Going for a few hours every Saturday morning really boosted the boys' confidence and helped them gain skills through repetition. It was also a great way to meet other kids and families who are adventurous and outdoorsy. We really appreciated the time & energy of the folks who run the Jr Surf program: Murray, Harry, Dean and others.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grif, Logan and Gavin packing it in after a several hour session. In the background...Opunake Surf Lifesaving Club.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-7349870585813363422011-05-22T22:17:00.000-07:002011-05-22T22:17:31.306-07:00Another player of the game!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHymU2q0spgghXZMgLhHDwOzJaaEyp1g12lhwrQyTEEaVR1cedZjp5YF2YvZ-fFFgdgKB3W229cDlWd93p8nxf1WeVaG9gzDMhYxgDxHVkG-eME3t8SFrWqAzVy9oFbAkdaR-JemuaUgQ/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHymU2q0spgghXZMgLhHDwOzJaaEyp1g12lhwrQyTEEaVR1cedZjp5YF2YvZ-fFFgdgKB3W229cDlWd93p8nxf1WeVaG9gzDMhYxgDxHVkG-eME3t8SFrWqAzVy9oFbAkdaR-JemuaUgQ/s320/DSC_0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Griffin has been spending his Saturday mornings, rain or shine, playing soccer for Opunake Coastal. It's a co-ed recreational soccer league. This Saturday his team played an all-boys team from New Plymouth. Grif made a number of great defensive plays, and earned player-of-the game for the second week in a row! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becks reviews plays with Mia</td></tr>
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Although the play isn't as competitive as his soccer in the states, Grif is enjoying getting out there and brushing up his skills. Practice every Thursday afternoon and games every Saturday give life in Opunake a bit more of a familiar feel. <br />
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In New Zealand, for both school and recreational sports, teams are often co-ed until the age of fifteen or so. Both boys play basketball for their school, on co-ed teams. My boys weren't sure what to make of this at first, but I think they've come around. In the case of Griffin's soccer team, for the most part, the girls are just as fast and skilled as the boys.<br />
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Grif clowns around here with Mia and Logan.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Player of the game gets a chocolate bar and a voucher for some goodies from the<br />
local Four Square. He now has his picture up on their "wall of fame".<br />
Good on ya', Grif!</td></tr>
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</div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-63181500592051075492011-05-22T04:44:00.000-07:002011-05-22T04:44:23.695-07:00A Dam Fun Day!Today the Ackerman family took the Taylor family for a uniquely kiwi experience..."dam dropping". Where else but New Zealand can you drive onto a local paddock, don a wetsuit, and boogie-board down the face of a 30-foot dam? Sounds weird, but it was surprisingly fun. Local tours come here and charge $100 per person, but we are fortunate to have friends who acted as our own personal tour guides. We were in good hands with Steve and Sue - former Outward Bound instructors and adventure junkies!<div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The setting - the Normanby Hydro Dam on the Waingongoro River. A cool<br />
Sunday morning with on-and-off drizzle.<br />
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</div><div>Steve scouted the scene first and survived his first drop, which gave us courage. After paddling across the Waingongoro River on our boogie boards, the Taylor family prepared to dam drop. Grif and Ken went first...Lori & Gav took a little more convincing. The 30-foot drop may look tame from below, but when you are up top it looks anything but. That initial whoosh as you are sucked toward the edge, and then that momentary pause before you hurtle down...wow!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken & Grif poised for their first drop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gav gets ready to drop....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCKaXo9SSBiCi1ycVtritAI-F7Sv02RNnofd2zIdlbZAF_TGvAHjUKoxeDuv1Y-i_S_NezmqU2Bjx_2vkrWvQD86Br1Q-XjIpRQB5hFPXu-YUshxqyHOlPyaGNz1YoHRjsNUc5-XfqPU/s1600/IMG_2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCKaXo9SSBiCi1ycVtritAI-F7Sv02RNnofd2zIdlbZAF_TGvAHjUKoxeDuv1Y-i_S_NezmqU2Bjx_2vkrWvQD86Br1Q-XjIpRQB5hFPXu-YUshxqyHOlPyaGNz1YoHRjsNUc5-XfqPU/s320/IMG_2530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and away he goes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue & Lori about to drop. We all went down multiple times, but<br />
each time I hit that edge, I felt that same mixture of fear and exhilaration. <br />
And each time I hit the whitewash below...woo hoo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYT4J_wYil29Cf3-v56vmfHxZQ3ciEtvJ5FKEv5meVevrBNQ2VdJ4BS9bHYFbumnKRDC3xqZ9mybHIkoxvneX8d3I4FB0Lgl9xDPQOopxte2_FmK0iff7cPfrclHlz7P2x6oMZPAGMO8/s1600/IMG_2513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYT4J_wYil29Cf3-v56vmfHxZQ3ciEtvJ5FKEv5meVevrBNQ2VdJ4BS9bHYFbumnKRDC3xqZ9mybHIkoxvneX8d3I4FB0Lgl9xDPQOopxte2_FmK0iff7cPfrclHlz7P2x6oMZPAGMO8/s320/IMG_2513.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grif halfway down...he liked to go a little farther to the right,<br />
where the whitewash really smacked you in the face.<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5kMBc8TK87Uab41LFbm-EY47l_e31GEbQy2iShBK4-KO7NAk7Uu6WKlzKJYNZmNrwEp5gKrjF9iD9XyRoRfr_6xG7UKjHeKtvuPKRFjU2W7-B5oKiYkxXXsjMqWK-ue9AHaxlX_tSoM/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5kMBc8TK87Uab41LFbm-EY47l_e31GEbQy2iShBK4-KO7NAk7Uu6WKlzKJYNZmNrwEp5gKrjF9iD9XyRoRfr_6xG7UKjHeKtvuPKRFjU2W7-B5oKiYkxXXsjMqWK-ue9AHaxlX_tSoM/s640/IMG_2552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxwd_-ItWF3BUBH52HyFc1rZz-CXP1Vap6_e-9z9q3z29my5iemWmWNEs57O5kSSxYrGgNgtoIrCa6nGvban7FCti8GrIoP0ZUNcKbfP3HTSYsyAbSl-hse_kobyVxcigxEgHbGwOGBc/s1600/IMG_2572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxwd_-ItWF3BUBH52HyFc1rZz-CXP1Vap6_e-9z9q3z29my5iemWmWNEs57O5kSSxYrGgNgtoIrCa6nGvban7FCti8GrIoP0ZUNcKbfP3HTSYsyAbSl-hse_kobyVxcigxEgHbGwOGBc/s320/IMG_2572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To round out the day's fun, a rope swing hangs from a tall tree on the bank of the Waingongoro. Jade, Gavin and Griffin all pile on for a 3-boy ride. They spend hours swinging out over the river and jumping in. They also jump from the tree itself, high overhead.<br />
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We "tailgated" after our adventure with hot chocolate and snacks, and then were on our way, with tired and happy boys.<br />
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This rivals (I daresay, surpasses) hot water beach as most fun FREE thing we've done in New Zealand.<br />
Thanks so very much Steve and Sue!!<br />
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<div></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-19150584243790237982011-05-18T22:55:00.000-07:002011-05-18T22:55:01.659-07:00Snow day with Sue & Shelley<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelley and Sue at the "Hillary Bench" on the way up</td></tr>
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</div> Today was a gorgeous crisp fall day here in Opunake. Mt. Taranaki beckoned, as it had recently received a fresh dusting of snow. Shelley, Sue and I ventured out to the national park for a hike. Saw two other groups on the trail the whole day. We ventured through the goblin forest, up to the snow line, and above to the Kapuni hut. Views from the hut were breathtaking! I'm so grateful to Sue & Shelley for their friendship, and will really miss our outdoor activities and our cups of tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4H1FWwQXAHrYhrq4lhJZYn1mgWiWHbsSoPYd4r-VQcWQfNxaQlBx6OkLKP_jWOLVP6Ri2IWKS8wsq-PeC8aO-egDKVHx6rB3WnRnkV0dui3p_yopUtgxXixQ-uh2cG8WgI3HoZr7BJk/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4H1FWwQXAHrYhrq4lhJZYn1mgWiWHbsSoPYd4r-VQcWQfNxaQlBx6OkLKP_jWOLVP6Ri2IWKS8wsq-PeC8aO-egDKVHx6rB3WnRnkV0dui3p_yopUtgxXixQ-uh2cG8WgI3HoZr7BJk/s400/IMG_1757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous view from the hut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2GH-DGkd-TTmqX5ZYFsN2dKBpFq6si_dVxKdi669QpKpHoEcchFQsufa6uqfkJoCKTkZ9PEnfEr6zI3E4hAp7fTodkeHnGUEbnhZg1KGZCD_PGF0le-5MsbC7lyNHvfYlPc_LE4Pod0/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2GH-DGkd-TTmqX5ZYFsN2dKBpFq6si_dVxKdi669QpKpHoEcchFQsufa6uqfkJoCKTkZ9PEnfEr6zI3E4hAp7fTodkeHnGUEbnhZg1KGZCD_PGF0le-5MsbC7lyNHvfYlPc_LE4Pod0/s200/IMG_1762.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately my footwear was less<br />
than adequate for the snow and slush.<br />
Thank goodness for smartwool socks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids will be jealous...we had snowball fights while they<br />
were in school!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZm3vrkRIU6isKI6kRBT5MC9ksolORDCODGitRux0csXcNrwqX5Pe-rRFbfU4AzRGrWVvKcs1mcwAuCe9OAlA40JQgJ80JmtJM2mB4rPsOGoKs3KXERfInvwmotKJ3SIHLnTCPN0sw50/s1600/IMG_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZm3vrkRIU6isKI6kRBT5MC9ksolORDCODGitRux0csXcNrwqX5Pe-rRFbfU4AzRGrWVvKcs1mcwAuCe9OAlA40JQgJ80JmtJM2mB4rPsOGoKs3KXERfInvwmotKJ3SIHLnTCPN0sw50/s200/IMG_1755.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt like we were heading straight to the pot of gold as we descended the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0DmB10I4pmC9hoBT-75wYIVRh0K9THx5nwU78kYfQlCfEXuQavP_hcGhW-SDGI0NBuCYc5-h66HV2BEacFBRz0J78RmoDE288-G0K2SHmqoShPkePylo6CYKcwT5VR6ihB2FcnpJgLU/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0DmB10I4pmC9hoBT-75wYIVRh0K9THx5nwU78kYfQlCfEXuQavP_hcGhW-SDGI0NBuCYc5-h66HV2BEacFBRz0J78RmoDE288-G0K2SHmqoShPkePylo6CYKcwT5VR6ihB2FcnpJgLU/s320/IMG_1775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice steaming cuppa tea when back down below the snow<br />
line - good thinking Shelley, thanks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-42791828567376579022011-05-15T14:28:00.000-07:002011-05-15T14:28:47.867-07:00KiwispeakOne of the reasons that we chose New Zealand for our adventures, aside from it's awesomeness, is the fact that it is an English speaking country. We figured that would make life immensely easier for the kids in school and for Ken at work. However, there are some significant differences in vocabulary, and the Taylor family has had some learning to do! Words that mean one thing in America could mean something quite different here. (Careful using "fanny"...) Here are some examples of words that have caused considerable amusement and/or confusion in school, restaurants, grocery stores or in general conversation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWeHWzV5oOguXX3X73P9jF9N0o0eNKOtaTjJ9k-lpF8XJqHyPz-lixlOh2LjtUQr3NlZaIqePthSWjLliyoRZHjG06n_S7jAFp9-T5U3DowMefuBs-00Eylqtw29Pr-kB7UnlhhEtuHY/s1600/IMG_1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWeHWzV5oOguXX3X73P9jF9N0o0eNKOtaTjJ9k-lpF8XJqHyPz-lixlOh2LjtUQr3NlZaIqePthSWjLliyoRZHjG06n_S7jAFp9-T5U3DowMefuBs-00Eylqtw29Pr-kB7UnlhhEtuHY/s400/IMG_1729.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>boots = cleats (rugby, soccer, etc) <br />
chemist = pharmacy<br />
chilly bin = cooler<br />
chips = french fries<br />
chook = chicken<br />
courgette = zucchini<br />
crook = sick<br />
entree = appetizer<br />
flash = fancy<br />
handle = mug of beer<br />
jandals = flip-flops<br />
lemonade = 7Up or Sprite<br />
lolly = candy<br />
plaster = bandaid<br />
rubbish bin = trash can<br />
serviette = napkin<br />
take-away = to-go<br />
tasty = cheddar<br />
tea = dinner<br />
togs = swimsuit<br />
torch = flashlight<br />
tramp = hike<br />
trolley = shopping cart<br />
zed = the letter "z"<br />
<br />
Kiwi English is very colorful, and there are several words and phrases that we just love hearing and sometimes try to use (though we're sure we sound like posers...) Many of these are British I'm sure. I've tried to translate as best I could:<br />
<br />
"bob's your uncle" = and there you go<br />
"dodgy" = sketchy<br />
"good on ya, mate" = well done (in fact, kiwis say "well done" a lot too)<br />
"good as gold" = sometimes just means 'yes', or 'sure, no problem'<br />
"heaps" = lots<br />
"knackered" = tired or worn out<br />
"she'll be right" = everything will be OK<br />
"suss it out" = figure it out (Ken loves this one; you'll hear him say it)<br />
"sweet as" = awesome (our favorite, or 'favourite' - kids having some spelling challenges in school!)<br />
"ta" = thanks<br />
"wee" = small or a little bit, used for anything...people, food...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-57157675978920542842011-05-13T18:28:00.000-07:002011-05-13T18:30:12.238-07:00Player of the game!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Another Saturday morning of rugby. Gavin's now playing for Coastal Opunake. He had a great game today...scored several "tries" and had a few nice tackles. His coach, Ross, awarded Gavin the 'player of the game' title. That earned him a voucher for one of his local favorites...chicken & chips at Kent's Dairy!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Jl_Keaz2lMJE4OUk-S4qqisNijD8JjUMRg3cyyfb3aEZeQZX-Uj06dmzW_KytcpdjGx5Dk5bQ1AHzs_X1Y5UEUrfpMUVt7ZrgFXdLJZnC9_KS4TvQVKYHBM1oJnbyu9odmMXzsR_gQA/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Jl_Keaz2lMJE4OUk-S4qqisNijD8JjUMRg3cyyfb3aEZeQZX-Uj06dmzW_KytcpdjGx5Dk5bQ1AHzs_X1Y5UEUrfpMUVt7ZrgFXdLJZnC9_KS4TvQVKYHBM1oJnbyu9odmMXzsR_gQA/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcio-N5FEsU9IyFonmVi_ZbQpeV9ot_TCYKMiQJy27YV8oU6LdtbiXLS-jBupr36kX7IlSkloVkZduZCTi3kdVIV1tcA2e-woUSNGCrtkXNSbouLPGuCBP5gbufbBzZFT1CuI7X8KOi8/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcio-N5FEsU9IyFonmVi_ZbQpeV9ot_TCYKMiQJy27YV8oU6LdtbiXLS-jBupr36kX7IlSkloVkZduZCTi3kdVIV1tcA2e-woUSNGCrtkXNSbouLPGuCBP5gbufbBzZFT1CuI7X8KOi8/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The score</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-REjPEryCMY9N8FyXvTfZbhKfKYzDXMLGAKUKOA4srGF5Ms3CV3WQir3M-VwCeZuums2i93lL9oKFvmOqH3iN5e8Eci8O-kYgLSCe58SYfMQJ-03IWF_97HUNYOuhhuIKkTPNYZNxyw/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-REjPEryCMY9N8FyXvTfZbhKfKYzDXMLGAKUKOA4srGF5Ms3CV3WQir3M-VwCeZuums2i93lL9oKFvmOqH3iN5e8Eci8O-kYgLSCe58SYfMQJ-03IWF_97HUNYOuhhuIKkTPNYZNxyw/s200/DSC_0071.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pursuit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7019hjCWthbTVH6zc8XgcKYs8IpvCHJ16DGjQw8m1I57LTOIWQjlNNUW2ZDR6Cw-A6PFLwKbL5_RojsO410DRHN5rLMbOLIapkQEohKnhutdAEXOAl3OxmmsElMQV1NRU19tFyJUcdo/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7019hjCWthbTVH6zc8XgcKYs8IpvCHJ16DGjQw8m1I57LTOIWQjlNNUW2ZDR6Cw-A6PFLwKbL5_RojsO410DRHN5rLMbOLIapkQEohKnhutdAEXOAl3OxmmsElMQV1NRU19tFyJUcdo/s320/DSC_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The takedown</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2llrIfqOXFbP1L04bXFIC2AgWaw2CXQ34j_iHsiqgA_-dbOmICPfjCvbLQx8n1YavAUqLWsfJIGjPJsEHkyFtUz0-5UlIaQMh8jK1wTHJ7Lce1LLcEQY4ynnMI4lnlo-LIf0vOSxXdWE/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2llrIfqOXFbP1L04bXFIC2AgWaw2CXQ34j_iHsiqgA_-dbOmICPfjCvbLQx8n1YavAUqLWsfJIGjPJsEHkyFtUz0-5UlIaQMh8jK1wTHJ7Lce1LLcEQY4ynnMI4lnlo-LIf0vOSxXdWE/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin & Coach Ross</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr9pkea51TV4wK-FHmklAnsYurRpxBKv4U_NH3JNBEyVpmZ1LY4u9fDQSoNKj736S_23Biceg58Yfyau-EmAImBeJqShUIy1oS9NnEWHlKlKMR9k69pQbufv6l2YS6EL9GpG7mHEncec/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr9pkea51TV4wK-FHmklAnsYurRpxBKv4U_NH3JNBEyVpmZ1LY4u9fDQSoNKj736S_23Biceg58Yfyau-EmAImBeJqShUIy1oS9NnEWHlKlKMR9k69pQbufv6l2YS6EL9GpG7mHEncec/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some things are the same worldwide...kids eat rubbish after sports!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-35137499167144868422011-05-10T04:04:00.000-07:002011-05-10T04:08:30.874-07:00Wonderful Windy WellyKen's mother Carolyn and sister Lynn arrive for a visit! We give them one night's rest in Opunake, then Saturday morning we head out for a long weekend in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Nicknamed "Windy Welly" by kiwis, and we found out why. Actually, we had gorgeous weather for May, which is deep into autumn here.<br />
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</div><div>We had a 4+ hour drive from Opunake to Wellington, along the southwest coast of the North Island. Along the way, we were fortunate to be the recipients of the hospitality of Adrian and Sally Turner, with whom we shared a substantial afternoon tea. To the left is the incredible view from their lovely home in the town of Paekakariki, on the Kapiti Coast. We met them while on our Wanganui River canoe trip in March, and were so pleased to see them again on our way to Wellington. Thanks Adrian and Sally, and we ARE going to make those lemon muffins!</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QswCw919H_IdOa2EcxcBX0IuYUF7PtT2TkiQSftlEJJKnW-VKpIIz5Ef_Ko1xpaAM5DtEhd_tppZR6BY3bLoR2JO9GB5jn1NL0_z5XoQ7u7VcLkc30kqxJlfpfefaxUCPmTN6eSwEMU/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QswCw919H_IdOa2EcxcBX0IuYUF7PtT2TkiQSftlEJJKnW-VKpIIz5Ef_Ko1xpaAM5DtEhd_tppZR6BY3bLoR2JO9GB5jn1NL0_z5XoQ7u7VcLkc30kqxJlfpfefaxUCPmTN6eSwEMU/s640/IMG_0066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RMzcU0rP4jaW8sdc9HSnUrCiEbhd0oDaC9LINZREGIUjdOVxbKOTMe9CXhrr1hmh0qE5Kvvjn6J905mSMmbbWL5WDROZjP5qTfqCFWopNJwI8yNzyY_qAzot0w38xQqQHYBiSvlTVy4/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RMzcU0rP4jaW8sdc9HSnUrCiEbhd0oDaC9LINZREGIUjdOVxbKOTMe9CXhrr1hmh0qE5Kvvjn6J905mSMmbbWL5WDROZjP5qTfqCFWopNJwI8yNzyY_qAzot0w38xQqQHYBiSvlTVy4/s320/IMG_0068.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>Our first order of business in Welllington was to visit the six-story amazing national museum, Te Papa. Griffin read about Te Papa upon his arrival in NZ, and has wanted to go ever since. We feared that his high expectations wouldn't be met but we needn't have worried...Te Papa is fantastic. An incredibly diverse collection, with displays on marine, plant and bird life, on Maori history, art and culture, on natural history, volcanos and earthquakes...and so much more. We spent the ENTIRE day there. Here's Grif & I in front of the famous kiwi-made motorbike with the fairytale story, the John Britten bike. Grif & Gav's favorite? The colossal squid, preserved in formaldehyde. Eyeballs as big as soccer balls. Carolyn liked the Maori artifacts. Ken & Lynn liked the natural history floor. I liked the display devoted to man-made changes in the landscape of NZ, and also the thorough display on pounamu, NZ greenstone or jade. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Did I mention that Te Papa is FREE?</div><div><br />
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Wellington is by far the biggest city we've visited in quite some time. Took a little time to get used to hustle-bustle again. Thankfully, it is a beautiful waterfront city. We wandered along the wharfs on Monday morning, watching rowers on the bay and checking out public artwork and playgrounds.<br />
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After wandering the waterfront, we take the cable car up to the beautiful botanic gardens. Areas with native plants, succulents, and a rose garden not quite in full bloom (it is autumn here). We take in views high above the waterfront, and have a nice meal in the gardens cafe. We imagine the hydrangeas and agapanthus and roses as they must be in spring and summer. Lynn takes lots of pictures to inspire her own garden projects at home...<br />
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It is nice to have family here visiting. Te Papa really gave Lynn & Carolyn a crash course in New Zealand history, nature and culture. We think they can tell a pukeko from a tui. They know all about Captain Cook, and about the treaty of Waitangi. And...Ken gave Lynn a crash course in driving on the left side of the road. Tomorrow we send them off to Waitomo to learn about caves and glowworms. Stay left, Lynn!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwtKhREHuLiJWA3FH0pDRKyDlYMm7ncQGyqpjysL20PzUX2GhGSsUDmfbNgF_dEfljXnwnbYf2Pf6DQ_i5XZ9MlFALU1VLySHBf0aP_mQmWShZkobQ5x6dhvOL-WZQOKHzKNHBksGviQ/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwtKhREHuLiJWA3FH0pDRKyDlYMm7ncQGyqpjysL20PzUX2GhGSsUDmfbNgF_dEfljXnwnbYf2Pf6DQ_i5XZ9MlFALU1VLySHBf0aP_mQmWShZkobQ5x6dhvOL-WZQOKHzKNHBksGviQ/s400/IMG_0141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken, Lynn and Carolyn at the duck pond in the Wellington Botanical Gardens</td></tr>
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</div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-74139926631631380432011-05-06T02:25:00.000-07:002011-05-06T02:25:45.867-07:00This beautiful country<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZkmXbVYHnTEbpICpfhBGtpuS1u6iaxW_7QjTgSBo4gPzI41FId3NZXYYwrYtvdXhlP2StGIk2JnyFsOzXXNTrSszWdHC6hIco34C3L1kjM2ck9ie5_di-EcvcspBOjMqXVDgsjE7H4Y/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZkmXbVYHnTEbpICpfhBGtpuS1u6iaxW_7QjTgSBo4gPzI41FId3NZXYYwrYtvdXhlP2StGIk2JnyFsOzXXNTrSszWdHC6hIco34C3L1kjM2ck9ie5_di-EcvcspBOjMqXVDgsjE7H4Y/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaIbtS7PREVnpH1YJoAwNAW3KjzIRk5V30_xlOYWjKpYRPbKTxtlZhJX0dxv-ctrqMcnd_YAVvTz8t8odC6c2_7EdNdETPzFKYa2k3uDH4R6ENYqdbkyW4syaEOiTVQbrz_5PSnJun1M/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaIbtS7PREVnpH1YJoAwNAW3KjzIRk5V30_xlOYWjKpYRPbKTxtlZhJX0dxv-ctrqMcnd_YAVvTz8t8odC6c2_7EdNdETPzFKYa2k3uDH4R6ENYqdbkyW4syaEOiTVQbrz_5PSnJun1M/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We've been on heaps of road trips in the last 6 months. What has struck us is that the journey is often just as rewarding as the destination. Driving from town to town involved traversing through the green rolling hills of farmland, passing picturesque old buildings scattered here and there. Bee boxes are plentiful, as New Zealand is very dependent on the honeybee for it's crops. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2NEEyygmqNNnxaHsiFiUFuWxsvLecwqG4eT6qhjilyribKhT35xpQqJGTnLKzt-M5e_0FwOEYBpiWbvhdaJHgJ8p7vKxAdjiAUQlzDE05RHrcXQW533BixYdqhdgBVac9jN7ZHBcY5I/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2NEEyygmqNNnxaHsiFiUFuWxsvLecwqG4eT6qhjilyribKhT35xpQqJGTnLKzt-M5e_0FwOEYBpiWbvhdaJHgJ8p7vKxAdjiAUQlzDE05RHrcXQW533BixYdqhdgBVac9jN7ZHBcY5I/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvEH6wr766EP4EfKdscFnjaBPBBqHc5p-oXWSGcGS-w3r1G6dsSkQ3lBbuot6TWo_Ynmck_b_UTLD5Ki7ZW_Vsbc-tJlTbgzeLKSvuYKflXxSD-eWw663njpQwC9iHs2scziExc6LJk4/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvEH6wr766EP4EfKdscFnjaBPBBqHc5p-oXWSGcGS-w3r1G6dsSkQ3lBbuot6TWo_Ynmck_b_UTLD5Ki7ZW_Vsbc-tJlTbgzeLKSvuYKflXxSD-eWw663njpQwC9iHs2scziExc6LJk4/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Beaches are usually rocky, with black sand (at least here on the West Coast where the sand is volcanic). Much of the shoreline is rugged cliffs offering scenic views both from above and below. Best thing? You often have the entire stretch of beach to yourself. Sweet as!</span></div><br />
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If you stop on the side of the road where you see a DOC (Department of Conservation) plaque, you will be treated to an incredible lookout, or a walkway through forest, bush, flax and ferns, or a tramp to a cave or waterfall. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surf Highway 45, which runs between Opunake and New Plymouth, offers amazing coastal views. This is our main highway into "town", which I drive perhaps once a week. I think we are going to be in for culture shock when we are back in the states driving on I-5!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-8695903049404374822011-05-05T01:42:00.000-07:002011-05-05T01:42:04.303-07:00Our feathered friendsWe'll miss the birds here. Sounds weird, right? (If you don't like birds then you should just skip this blog post!) Lacking any native land mammals (save 2 species of bat), New Zealand has an incredibly diverse bird population. We've gotten very familiar with many of them while living here, and there are several that we see often but never cease to delight in spotting. For some reason we've gotten really into them. Here are a few of our faves. They are hard to catch on camera so some are fuzzy. Some are known primarily by their Maori names, like Pukekos, and some their English names, like Fantails.<br />
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<u>Fantail (Piwakawaka)</u><br />
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The first time we saw these wee birds they appeared to be trailing us through the bush. We later discovered that they were indeed following us! Fantails flit about human visitors because we stir up tiny insects when we move through dense brush, and the birds eat the insects. They spread their tails out into a beautiful fan. They are completely "spastic" as Griffin says, and so hard to catch on camera. He gave it a valiant effort, and this is the best shot.<br />
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<u>Pukeko (Purple Swamp Hen)</u><br />
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One of our favorite things to do on road trips is to spot pukekos. They hang out in pastures with livestock. They are a brilliant blue-purple with bright red beaks and legs. Their elegant coloring is incongruous with their awkward chicken-like gait. We just really like calling out the name while driving..."Pukeko!"<br />
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<u>Paradise duck (Putakitaki)</u><br />
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These birds also hang out in grassy pastures, unlike other ducks that prefer water. They always travel in pairs..Griffin and I have looked but have never ever seen a solo paradise duck. Females have the white heads. They have the craziest quack...sounds more like "Zonk". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZupoeXgfBDV5uUPAEE5qGND0GIxLR20rCYgrYiVW-rcCiBTKFzTobxxERXTNKNF4OsBObSqcZ6TUGVFwkMrVf2H4ElxLBWazbuxUqIkxJl2aBXvdernKtmWjpWexIIAh4R9GFcdUAJw0/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZupoeXgfBDV5uUPAEE5qGND0GIxLR20rCYgrYiVW-rcCiBTKFzTobxxERXTNKNF4OsBObSqcZ6TUGVFwkMrVf2H4ElxLBWazbuxUqIkxJl2aBXvdernKtmWjpWexIIAh4R9GFcdUAJw0/s320/IMG_1613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<u>Kereru (New Zealand Wood Pigeon)</u><br />
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You can tell they are related to our North American pigeon, but they are BIG and they are GORGEOUS...snowy white chests, with iridescent greenish-purple plumage elsewhere. Beautiful to see in flight. The boys startled one once in Raglan and it flew low over their heads, ruffling their hair.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6_SdkMhFIugid1l5pI4lmCmJGaq5Kp_DPxXvoHBMTzkxZeLfZzGTPcaD82hHeNygGJOls6_W7OaLfXO89xiHkY_BQ4KMaR60x7k607eEIB7QbbsHOxwkiqMCc8zKa0dxtjtzKmWuT7I/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6_SdkMhFIugid1l5pI4lmCmJGaq5Kp_DPxXvoHBMTzkxZeLfZzGTPcaD82hHeNygGJOls6_W7OaLfXO89xiHkY_BQ4KMaR60x7k607eEIB7QbbsHOxwkiqMCc8zKa0dxtjtzKmWuT7I/s320/IMG_1640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><u> Tui (Parson Bird)</u><br />
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Tuis get their English name from the puff of white plumage at the base of their throat that looks like a clergyman's collar. You hear them far more often than you see them, as they often warble their distinct songs from high in the treetops. Tuis are thought to be intelligent birds, and have an amazing vocal range. In addition to bell-like tones, they utter clicks, groans and whistles. They can also imitate human speech. We always stop and listen when we hear a Tui singing. And...we like Tui beer!Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-6543404511955572132011-05-03T01:06:00.000-07:002011-05-03T01:06:50.620-07:00Marae visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnnqjoazPoAnlmSKPfCZWpVGRxLqhm0OYrIMysUQXGLq8ApWgW-0cUnzF8h_DFKPokvRR05-q8yUyQ9FY8PyBrZZ4PxhRBe_eNXF1oGEKyjFvEYy3DrJUqsslJmyopQpXE2h8mnyDGbU/s1600/IMG_1407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnnqjoazPoAnlmSKPfCZWpVGRxLqhm0OYrIMysUQXGLq8ApWgW-0cUnzF8h_DFKPokvRR05-q8yUyQ9FY8PyBrZZ4PxhRBe_eNXF1oGEKyjFvEYy3DrJUqsslJmyopQpXE2h8mnyDGbU/s320/IMG_1407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The boys had a field trip just before Easter Break that was probably the most culturally significant trip of the school year. I went with them as driver/parent participant. We visited the local "marae", or Maori meeting house. It is a communal place for the local "iwi" (tribe or clan), and is used for social and cultural gatherings. It is a sacred place and so many customs were observed. We could only approach the marae from the front gate. Boys and men were welcomed in first, followed by girls and women. Each group was "presented" and "received" via an exchange of calls or chants. Shoes came off, of course.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvq2NfoQ8Egt3jC3cjgbsgECXOlwcyBe-eACW5ssCXgrEGDptfUS96jDf5EwysM6WZ-vavqSNy_z7bCK_L3yZJeyBYefoHL7hpO0M8oXldTUfkuMtWb2OLUQb23XnH-q87ZwkWmBtUGA/s1600/IMG_1408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvq2NfoQ8Egt3jC3cjgbsgECXOlwcyBe-eACW5ssCXgrEGDptfUS96jDf5EwysM6WZ-vavqSNy_z7bCK_L3yZJeyBYefoHL7hpO0M8oXldTUfkuMtWb2OLUQb23XnH-q87ZwkWmBtUGA/s320/IMG_1408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The day's events consisted of a "powhiri" (traditional Maori welcoming ceremony with singing and speeches). Then outdoor activities commenced. The kapahaka group from the school performed songs and dance, including the famed "haka". I'm so proud that my boys have found the bravery to be part of kapahaka. About half of the students at Opunake participate in this weekly group instruction on Maori folklore, dance & song. If you look carefully you can see Griffin & Gavin in the haka rows. Some of the boys in the front have been doing this for years and are quite good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz9JHVfQ3VDHtYNpD9aAiB2ggCvXq-OrGaNQc-vbvRIvElbtW2guPhvjE8QeW6zi0XTp4DpZk_cd4fXaJByZZw45zfHC2yZhJmxcSD0AO8vOx7h15V78s-0rRx1MEzddw4Yuljzicl7I/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz9JHVfQ3VDHtYNpD9aAiB2ggCvXq-OrGaNQc-vbvRIvElbtW2guPhvjE8QeW6zi0XTp4DpZk_cd4fXaJByZZw45zfHC2yZhJmxcSD0AO8vOx7h15V78s-0rRx1MEzddw4Yuljzicl7I/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Lunch was a traditional "hangi" meal; similar to the luau feast in Hawaii in which food is cooked by steaming it in a giant underground pit. This required an incredible amount of preparation and I was amazed at the volunteerism of many of the parents, especially marae members Curtis & Nicola Wright. School families donated all of the food, from vegetables to bread to meat. (Not having a farm, the Taylor family donated a tray of chicken from Pak'N'Save). Nicola supervised food preparation and spent the entire day prior to the hangi peeling vegetables, making stuffing and preparing meat. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rLBvLO_W8CIbTGet0PzE38FJDLZM0aN1UFuvaSRmdA0ccbGxgINZpTf1AuwzpI-RoQ5vx_GSiEPS1bBsbmchMLfOIrWq4iYpqQGvT7tceD3MOaR7gd9dXj_hNNAJdQLD0ehbvx2w1nI/s1600/IMG_1413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rLBvLO_W8CIbTGet0PzE38FJDLZM0aN1UFuvaSRmdA0ccbGxgINZpTf1AuwzpI-RoQ5vx_GSiEPS1bBsbmchMLfOIrWq4iYpqQGvT7tceD3MOaR7gd9dXj_hNNAJdQLD0ehbvx2w1nI/s320/IMG_1413.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Curtis and recruits awoke before the sun to get the fire going, heat the stones, and get the food arranged underground so that it could steam for hours before lunchtime. At midday they "raised the hangi" (Grif and I watched, it was quite a task) and then the marae kitchen was a whirr of activity, arranging piping hot vegetables, stuffing and meat onto huge platters. And I don't even want to tell you about clean up. All done by parents and marae members volunteering their resources and time so that the school visitors could have a special traditional meal. People are like that here. <br />
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Here's a basket of potatoes and pumpkin freshly raised from the steaming hangi pit. Other vegetables included kumara, New Zealand's version of a sweet potato. Ken and I like kumara, but the boys preferred the pumpking and potato.<br />
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The meal was served in the marae dining hall. Kids waited patiently (and not so patiently) for their plates. The meat included lamb, pork, beef and chicken. Felt like Thanksgiving.<br />
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After lunch, a few more outdoor activities revolving around the Maori culture. Here's Griffin weaving flax. There were also areas where kids could make pottery symbols, re-enact Maori legends, make poi (the pompom-like balls used in Maori dance) and learn stick tossing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c8H2a6NZ9vzyRjoe_tx5lQ8k7j5O9Qw7lYOOP9iDC4jzbcisyyuS8LkLworp1651shPWCbdB5UmiaXlgghKCZkMPraGECdedl_cm7RX3rUHm6zU0BQYLiXI8z3NROs7TUXvYiMTkREw/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c8H2a6NZ9vzyRjoe_tx5lQ8k7j5O9Qw7lYOOP9iDC4jzbcisyyuS8LkLworp1651shPWCbdB5UmiaXlgghKCZkMPraGECdedl_cm7RX3rUHm6zU0BQYLiXI8z3NROs7TUXvYiMTkREw/s320/IMG_1423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost time to go home. Gavin in a sea of red. Opunake Primary School's color is, obviously red. Sunhats are compulsory, and school shirts are supposed to be worn at school outings. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-8793457432797861672011-05-02T02:02:00.000-07:002011-05-02T02:02:41.365-07:00Doctoring Down Under<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwnXduQJZOytSiNzixS1jx8IkhAhWf6YdjldI-A0dhTSh1Aa_VYRvvlNPT_i9IWB8xM7OIuzds_nBFuz8wWrt09lTrQHIjgUxLsQNqiEDZMU-wMwOASJvoe-bakIFy93sFRGgLU_RWN8/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwnXduQJZOytSiNzixS1jx8IkhAhWf6YdjldI-A0dhTSh1Aa_VYRvvlNPT_i9IWB8xM7OIuzds_nBFuz8wWrt09lTrQHIjgUxLsQNqiEDZMU-wMwOASJvoe-bakIFy93sFRGgLU_RWN8/s640/DSC_0035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Here's the Opunake Medical Center, on Havelock Street between Tasman & the beach. It is refreshing to have a 5 minute walk along the bluff to get to work. I work 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, seeing patients from Opunake and the surrounding farming community. My office is arranged like the old-fashioned offices in the movies. I bring patients into the room myself, and interview them to discuss why they came to see me.<br />
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After we've talked, it is time to examine the patient. Opposite my desk is this exam table, complete with soft linens instead of sterile crinkly paper. I take the patient's vital signs myself, and take care of most tasks myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdNNAwKkxcdwp5f1d4QjiXLn962cY-ZajuniVUywn6JvJneIEdipLgjKeMZq3nGbleNDW7o7XiSNGrtL4bE9GFEx0mUlfXhNTx2q22exBsvy-9VYDU4YfUH521K2POehOSssHqRZ6ekg/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdNNAwKkxcdwp5f1d4QjiXLn962cY-ZajuniVUywn6JvJneIEdipLgjKeMZq3nGbleNDW7o7XiSNGrtL4bE9GFEx0mUlfXhNTx2q22exBsvy-9VYDU4YfUH521K2POehOSssHqRZ6ekg/s320/DSC_0034.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
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Things are very relaxed in our medical office Down Under. Patients greet me by my first name and vice versa. In summer, staff often don't wear shoes...footwear is even optional for the docs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESOKIbvL1yLIRS6xx9aKN7a12fj5W3QHMIMHCocdPod2I0gvUmUnqOFc4Y4I04mo5qE90r1P3_XTVNq3Q5h7Z_UT9LZGNy9qjyBCm28rs7yx3Eimd_eK9AB_szLHU2SypBKz3aH2E3FY/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESOKIbvL1yLIRS6xx9aKN7a12fj5W3QHMIMHCocdPod2I0gvUmUnqOFc4Y4I04mo5qE90r1P3_XTVNq3Q5h7Z_UT9LZGNy9qjyBCm28rs7yx3Eimd_eK9AB_szLHU2SypBKz3aH2E3FY/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a>To the right is our "tea room". Every effort is made for staff and doctors to share morning and afternoon tea breaks, where we get together and share coffee, snacks and chitchat. This is very different from my schedule back in the states, where I usually have no breaks other than a five minute lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EjJBvktmepx0q6JoJyYm6tuQCOvu0VaYkPdF_BUgjdZScFXsJst8dQpVGsSd8dRXNK1wCFMeGovw662oYeUzrA54e5EGTXyfR7yZBMP76I2YKAtYrsc3byVgSyMdsM_kG18spm1DGMU/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EjJBvktmepx0q6JoJyYm6tuQCOvu0VaYkPdF_BUgjdZScFXsJst8dQpVGsSd8dRXNK1wCFMeGovw662oYeUzrA54e5EGTXyfR7yZBMP76I2YKAtYrsc3byVgSyMdsM_kG18spm1DGMU/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with one of our practice nurses, Mary Lamb. I couldn't have survived here without Mary's help!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The clinic serves approximately 30,000 patients in the surrounding town and rural dairy farming community. Even with this large patient load, the phenomenal staff in our office manage to make each patient feel personally welcome. The front office staff and the nurses know our patients and their families well.<br />
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A typical day might include colds and flus, broken bones, a rest-home visit and a house call to see a dire emergency. The closest paramedic dispatch is nearly an hour away, so any emergency call comes to the medical center in addition to the paramedics. A nurse and I are almost always the first ones on the scene. I've been called out to everything from heart attacks to early labor to finger amputations from farming accidents. After the first day on the job I realized that I'd have to brush up on my emergency response skills! Learning a new medical system and new language (their form of English is quite different) has been great for clearing some cobwebs from my cranium.<br />
<br />
I've noticed that Kiwis pride themselves on toughness, and not making a fuss about pain or other complaints. They do not expect an answer or an instant cure for every problem. They are straight to the point, very respectful of my time, and in general wish to get on with things as quickly as possible. In seeing thousands of patients, only once have I been interrupted by the ring of a cell phone. I have thoroughly enjoyed practicing medicine in this environment that emphasizes individualized personal interactions. In the US we sometimes emphasize technology and "getting an answer" over the quality of life of the patient. Here patients are treated more as members of a family or community. Whether this has more to do with the fact that I am practicing in New Zealand or in a small rural community is hard to say.<br />
<br />
I'm making it sound ideal & perfect, but it isn't. No system is. Drawbacks here include fragmentation of services, long wait times for expensive procedures, and poor access in certain communities. The differences in medical practices between the states and NZ has sparked my interest in new ways to treat the same problems. Work has had the flavor of more of a learning experience and an adventure than simply showing up and trying to get through the day. Oh, and being able to walk home for lunch is nice too!Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-68640799408741430712011-05-01T14:33:00.000-07:002011-05-01T14:33:55.091-07:00Sue's Hawaiian 5-0Our good friend Sue turned 50 in April and Opunake turned out to celebrate!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NHJvQPQ_mifRhUOBbNAxb6Ig4ZBIQd3BQVNyHzquaO4AlwMw4BuJ9VuW-QSQa5vQX2krPgBU2CZt_DuS-WPLZdI1_3iKbz_QyPKPCwFqJvqnrqlHyTviCN2RQ6txDhGCUfNgJeMc5rk/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NHJvQPQ_mifRhUOBbNAxb6Ig4ZBIQd3BQVNyHzquaO4AlwMw4BuJ9VuW-QSQa5vQX2krPgBU2CZt_DuS-WPLZdI1_3iKbz_QyPKPCwFqJvqnrqlHyTviCN2RQ6txDhGCUfNgJeMc5rk/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Griffin & Gavin with Jonah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Who: Sue's friends & family from Opunake, Auckland, Wellington and the states<br />
Where: Opunake Beach Surf Lifesaving Club<br />
When: April 2011<br />
What: Hawaiian luau...food, drink, music and dance<br />
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Taylor family was so happy to be included. Sue and Steve are special people, and they have really made our transition into life here so much easier. It was also neat for us to see just how many people we knew in this party of mainly Opunake folks.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Sue makes a wish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOZ-wzKFMrwtpW8y8l1BUuEGNTb_I0hEx3J2OUejCmOrRlytxjHKSl2VfUJEhlN45ASimpjns0r5r6UFapUj_LYuLap7fBsEzF9MCPnfbZAvhGftwOigk4wwsauiaLCCR2M2DrZiGc18/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOZ-wzKFMrwtpW8y8l1BUuEGNTb_I0hEx3J2OUejCmOrRlytxjHKSl2VfUJEhlN45ASimpjns0r5r6UFapUj_LYuLap7fBsEzF9MCPnfbZAvhGftwOigk4wwsauiaLCCR2M2DrZiGc18/s200/IMG_1459.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kieran and Mia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UDJEibKXduUkXGoG4FOXtM_vFk4F84nMLh1K8ATaCrkYdTg5tI9lKbOm-zyO0RtGtFyljTRVo0dLuOfujeyArHERUYkNLfib5GFPBe-xlYxwvl6PC9lNq03rMyM76GlFsYl3ClPVOVU/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UDJEibKXduUkXGoG4FOXtM_vFk4F84nMLh1K8ATaCrkYdTg5tI9lKbOm-zyO0RtGtFyljTRVo0dLuOfujeyArHERUYkNLfib5GFPBe-xlYxwvl6PC9lNq03rMyM76GlFsYl3ClPVOVU/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzDxL1X2YEy0hmx3lup4CCyGEYR3uei7-i6FD7THXf9wr_C0nMQMwXebd62iXtR1VDr8EXumcghVsWcCAj44Xk7fmIKhhBspYRAw-gttp6XE8z_gC_DSBuldDGRDaxjjcvCTSm5sEvSA/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzDxL1X2YEy0hmx3lup4CCyGEYR3uei7-i6FD7THXf9wr_C0nMQMwXebd62iXtR1VDr8EXumcghVsWcCAj44Xk7fmIKhhBspYRAw-gttp6XE8z_gC_DSBuldDGRDaxjjcvCTSm5sEvSA/s320/IMG_1474.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American boys Steve, Peter & Ken</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU83WfdBHzDEb-lqMhFTDI4Q2jRRRT5QSac2AdLdK6nvsbfac8s6ObGirecg4Qn9d9I12bFVj9Zgt9ZDxX1Bmp9HIgQ0TElhYZagWXmZs0vaQc9XbHbLE53D0_DayrUSqE98Rui2Fe7Gk/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU83WfdBHzDEb-lqMhFTDI4Q2jRRRT5QSac2AdLdK6nvsbfac8s6ObGirecg4Qn9d9I12bFVj9Zgt9ZDxX1Bmp9HIgQ0TElhYZagWXmZs0vaQc9XbHbLE53D0_DayrUSqE98Rui2Fe7Gk/s200/IMG_1467.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John & I</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9EZR3IFBrxscHfe-gcE2FjH8iglEcnaPISQN04qbl5DGbzPXDbD0ltWO1YeVoDw3o0WOG9t4DhY7FKcUM_g2FJuxNUGYL_vJvm-sYte9pkGZeXvppkNRUp8JtkIsUAmsrEj4S81U1O0/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9EZR3IFBrxscHfe-gcE2FjH8iglEcnaPISQN04qbl5DGbzPXDbD0ltWO1YeVoDw3o0WOG9t4DhY7FKcUM_g2FJuxNUGYL_vJvm-sYte9pkGZeXvppkNRUp8JtkIsUAmsrEj4S81U1O0/s320/IMG_1471.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade, me & Shelley on the dance floor</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-11245629308868230312011-04-30T00:46:00.000-07:002011-04-30T00:46:49.121-07:00Hahei Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JkX4uZ1y-vgACGru6cg6FyVA_BH9Fcd2xT2D1fuicwqa5C6dgMAohpxeFd0E8pxggz4fLrOJVyUmwHBrX2itYC2Y9wUaXMXa7n2-kw3dv4PEjzrhi2qv4xMtBKZMCfUskzZruJfapYA/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JkX4uZ1y-vgACGru6cg6FyVA_BH9Fcd2xT2D1fuicwqa5C6dgMAohpxeFd0E8pxggz4fLrOJVyUmwHBrX2itYC2Y9wUaXMXa7n2-kw3dv4PEjzrhi2qv4xMtBKZMCfUskzZruJfapYA/s640/DSC_0047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXwzKOSBHg8oC3SZN2d6XXEbYF9rQnVZXb_ODZtAM5_oWos-drTzrzFePd5_Yjy6kbm_O2jB79dQ1TmsWoF0dX3s42N8aMURICV5-X424AgXohmKRaNvjG0_Kwf7-u8vEoS92iYTpT5E/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXwzKOSBHg8oC3SZN2d6XXEbYF9rQnVZXb_ODZtAM5_oWos-drTzrzFePd5_Yjy6kbm_O2jB79dQ1TmsWoF0dX3s42N8aMURICV5-X424AgXohmKRaNvjG0_Kwf7-u8vEoS92iYTpT5E/s200/DSC_0073.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really really fun rope swing...there were<br />
several of them scattered along the dunes<br />
of the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWv0WvgpbEEnIt_U7__PT_2mPsuORI_ACeLp63aXDajUf-BZhk570ItX2zaGPkw2itGj36Xwy2_K0YNb9iX00Teg4kEbi1dDeYrHNpIzkgp_zbryFwrEAR9Dnvuq4lvsOYzMGcvo0pQ0/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWv0WvgpbEEnIt_U7__PT_2mPsuORI_ACeLp63aXDajUf-BZhk570ItX2zaGPkw2itGj36Xwy2_K0YNb9iX00Teg4kEbi1dDeYrHNpIzkgp_zbryFwrEAR9Dnvuq4lvsOYzMGcvo0pQ0/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hahei Beach - even with the clouds it was warm enough to play on the beach, read, swing and jump in the surf.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW4ckfEDdD9Bu2vpzBspo-6o8ds0LKWQa1CQziGOOeXNUuYLCxNdIro4O75yHZX7Ll5fUI2PZGExulwEFslO-mcgRvWOopt-kNT0m2hSHpO4WOmZdAjbYcI6D0Uh-8fM4d3UKx-O5YXY/s1600/DSC_0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW4ckfEDdD9Bu2vpzBspo-6o8ds0LKWQa1CQziGOOeXNUuYLCxNdIro4O75yHZX7Ll5fUI2PZGExulwEFslO-mcgRvWOopt-kNT0m2hSHpO4WOmZdAjbYcI6D0Uh-8fM4d3UKx-O5YXY/s320/DSC_0115.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
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Boy did we enjoy Hahei Beach. We stayed there a few nights over Easter. Got a "last minute deal" (okay, it was still a splurge), on a luxurious beachfront villa. Fortunately the storms waited 'til we left to move in, so even though there were clouds, there was no rain, and it wasn't cold. We sea-kayaked to famous Cathedral Cove, then around several of the islands. We saw heaps of cormorants, and even Little Blue Penguins! We've been wanting to see them for awhile.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAECOcfXfW0rl09MPWnBnfg3EqqnMmJ9lYyKZ6BHz9LxBh7bLIypTRtd9ig1De1AibXvUrP5R50g6a4mWgpxZ1E2nGQqPPhlpC3eAGRH1eJbnZ3X-43G8qzPNaAFMxWjtr80_nGue7XGM/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAECOcfXfW0rl09MPWnBnfg3EqqnMmJ9lYyKZ6BHz9LxBh7bLIypTRtd9ig1De1AibXvUrP5R50g6a4mWgpxZ1E2nGQqPPhlpC3eAGRH1eJbnZ3X-43G8qzPNaAFMxWjtr80_nGue7XGM/s200/IMG_1651.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1CKNxaT39PE_u5bnV2YGC5wZNW9cgVSx6Li-4Ri448_XSGS-UlaRyk8g7prEwdT23F-wapBAkI901Z0DlPVwLI5WwNmffLGv7_zzo0ObjFaDOk-KHfMF7NCEUP7Fgo-Mo_UfcBSXH20/s320/IMG_1667.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
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Ken & Gavin paddling through sea caves & archesLori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-634420764630188782011-04-28T15:52:00.000-07:002011-04-28T15:59:27.921-07:00Getting Into Hot Water...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQx_V5KnBKqXHuOjMUn54lMvhxjbvm5489ozT_kiWUQjsejd7YEFjYMl4bGYvPHjYY2Pk2NF6W7Ee-09eayyvcdM0Ui0jJscuFRZmoF53vdSIBLE5JE1OAu4LynQUFuc_uEaHW7WOWtE/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQx_V5KnBKqXHuOjMUn54lMvhxjbvm5489ozT_kiWUQjsejd7YEFjYMl4bGYvPHjYY2Pk2NF6W7Ee-09eayyvcdM0Ui0jJscuFRZmoF53vdSIBLE5JE1OAu4LynQUFuc_uEaHW7WOWtE/s400/IMG_1689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrhQyM7IpTHhuq2wGgWzTDT2FTPbfxIRMwysRjeTjfZ0O_ADCURiJx9npM7Yp9Sfw5URVrnfJEwbW0ujoIkwJ8Ugxc22ZsIGj4cdSfL8SQdqBle-YT-cKbVPvnOYtkkB7l19zYAvD_rQ/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrhQyM7IpTHhuq2wGgWzTDT2FTPbfxIRMwysRjeTjfZ0O_ADCURiJx9npM7Yp9Sfw5URVrnfJEwbW0ujoIkwJ8Ugxc22ZsIGj4cdSfL8SQdqBle-YT-cKbVPvnOYtkkB7l19zYAvD_rQ/s320/IMG_1621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This place is so cool! Or should I say, hot. On the sign above, the little red lines along the beach show where the fault lines are that release hot water just under the surface. For two hours on either side of low tide, you can reach the hot water easily by digging just under the surface of the sand. So, activity on Hot Water Beach is completely tide dependent. We got there 2 hours before high tide, armed with 2 sturdy shovels. Here's the scene we found! Everyone with the same idea...dig out your own little private jacuzzi on the beach and then sit in it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcr6wosC4Ym8ja_VV9BrAeCzeFwWVpyN4EqCADIZPmUjAXs6PYi1cCbt_BjywatQpvCSmFZv5V8pk_ssopGPS2qgczmyg8tvzFVn_BYtF_ojqXP2JM1aIPgaL2YsFNz9ZcLEHrKdk9Tw/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcr6wosC4Ym8ja_VV9BrAeCzeFwWVpyN4EqCADIZPmUjAXs6PYi1cCbt_BjywatQpvCSmFZv5V8pk_ssopGPS2qgczmyg8tvzFVn_BYtF_ojqXP2JM1aIPgaL2YsFNz9ZcLEHrKdk9Tw/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We have to find the right spot by shuffling our toes under the sand. Amazingly, hot and cold water can be separated by only a few centimeters. We find what we think will be a good spot and the boys get to work! We find that you really have to do this in a spirit of cooperation with others, for as others start to dig nearby it changes the flow of water and the sand crumbles in places. We end up sharing pools with people from India, Germany, the UK and Auckland. This is a complex architectural endeavor that, amazingly, is repeated twice a day, every day!<br />
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We finally get our jacuzzi made. I know it doesn't look deep, but this water is SO hot that you can't take very much of it. It feels so nice with the warm sand and the warm water. I thought I'd be over it after a few minutes, but we actually sat there until dusk. My bottom was red as a lobster when I got out! We ran back & forth from ocean to "hot tub". <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HY8Zut_znzkH1_bHyXHiU-5dTtXex8LbGaRTlLe0h2M0jSRlPsXdNNRyYiz-nzPCCjusJ4qVMmyw7yPyWkQUemXGEezc1IJU_tOTHGJF1J5fvtmoJO3Qh38Z_dflep6B1d6CkBFnNi4/s1600/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HY8Zut_znzkH1_bHyXHiU-5dTtXex8LbGaRTlLe0h2M0jSRlPsXdNNRyYiz-nzPCCjusJ4qVMmyw7yPyWkQUemXGEezc1IJU_tOTHGJF1J5fvtmoJO3Qh38Z_dflep6B1d6CkBFnNi4/s320/IMG_1630.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funky "Auntie Dawn's" where we stayed for the night, within walking distance of Hot Water Beach. A bit cluttered and musty-dusty inside (Gavin and I took our Zyrtec), but the kids loved the rope swing, the chooks running about and the Tuis and Kereru in the trees. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-604384592644585622011-04-27T05:07:00.000-07:002011-04-27T05:35:03.471-07:00Persistence Pays off in Perplexing Pig Problem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jlEWpFDrir4N6byRsQVlGNC1cdP5ekaWXToEc-bglqBi3LShJ3uCxP1jOIOVN0fXXvfLRWkpHAueiP6SiIh94LVliaGxiKvDy5hSU_zYMv6Q1HPr8hB3hKvyeHFYhvWn4tK0kGlv03g/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jlEWpFDrir4N6byRsQVlGNC1cdP5ekaWXToEc-bglqBi3LShJ3uCxP1jOIOVN0fXXvfLRWkpHAueiP6SiIh94LVliaGxiKvDy5hSU_zYMv6Q1HPr8hB3hKvyeHFYhvWn4tK0kGlv03g/s640/DSC_0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So...word had it that the 309 road was a fun little family adventure with quirky stop-offs like a honey shop, a waterfall, and some wild pigs along the way. Taylor family said why not, and hopped in the car. As soon as we stopped in "pig territory", the porkers swarmed our car. It was funny and chaotic and a little freaky...we brought a loaf of bread to feed them, and as soon as they caught wind of it they stormed Ken. Chooks squawking, roosters crowing, peacocks shreaking, pigs grunting and piglets squealing...before Ken knew what had happened a huge black pig jumped (yes, he swears, it jumped) and ripped the loaf of bread out of his hands. I rummaged in the car for a few apple cores to feed the beasts, and Griffin entertained himself by trying unsuccessfully to catch a piglet. After a few more minutes we had enough pig action and were ready to head on to the next stop. Ken reached for the car keys...hmm, where were the car keys? They weren't in the car, weren't on the ground next to car, weren't in the general vicinity of the car...it wasn't looking good. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oUtquR5stmBQZSZsn6G981Rvllj8U1BzWKwavxbNiCAbMkVVh-qEQOYj6DEdxzczavtyVlTIer9AYFfgIi7PtWE_jLQa4rm893wOIpxRimhm4PT-GvMvareodvqkux_46T5PjBZ6Rdc/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oUtquR5stmBQZSZsn6G981Rvllj8U1BzWKwavxbNiCAbMkVVh-qEQOYj6DEdxzczavtyVlTIer9AYFfgIi7PtWE_jLQa4rm893wOIpxRimhm4PT-GvMvareodvqkux_46T5PjBZ6Rdc/s320/DSC_0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After searching for the better part of an hour we came to several conclusions: (1) When the pig jumped Ken for the bread it also took the keys out of his hand, and (2) the keys were either eaten or carried far, far away. Grif and I hitched a ride into town, Gav stayed in the car because he had enough of pigs, and Ken continued to search through pastures full of pig poop. Some kiwi farmers came by and told Ken "pigs'll eat anything...you should start kicking pigs, and if your car alarm goes off that's your guy". Did we tell you kiwis are funny people? Half an hour later, Ken successfully (and miraculously) located the keys in slimy yucky pile far away from the car. He found Grif and I at the tow place, putting an end to our discussion of the slim likelihood of finding someone to cut new keys from the Vovlo boot lock over the long Easter weekend. Later that evening we told somebody about our adventure and apparently word gets around fast because he said, "Oh, I heard about that, mate, that was you?" We're sure he was thinking "Bloody idiot Americans"!<br />
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The little piglets were pretty cute, though. And for some reason there was a peacock wandering around. Why not?<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEIvjsG3w19J9GMM7CQE1dqupgzr1uv3Kz4xYdsfYmuvw2lOqTjhMnClCtMrlfsRQPjy_x0ZXioXZpUfWbzWTGYW8G5t-wk7LvadrG33Xfo1d2zEvNzroLxVddVwXLVIYPFhjGid8pG0/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEIvjsG3w19J9GMM7CQE1dqupgzr1uv3Kz4xYdsfYmuvw2lOqTjhMnClCtMrlfsRQPjy_x0ZXioXZpUfWbzWTGYW8G5t-wk7LvadrG33Xfo1d2zEvNzroLxVddVwXLVIYPFhjGid8pG0/s200/IMG_1590.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe5SIrYzCcK-QY1bNDBUb5XBrpp44dtP22pErvmODQqi7ALrcwXfLM1LRFHoJJZUMqnzut1b5Jarum5KvlcS-P_8wlSu2JoXWHfJg4JPFJhUMRX3wJ51DzQydOGAXkuYqy1Qsdz913yM/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe5SIrYzCcK-QY1bNDBUb5XBrpp44dtP22pErvmODQqi7ALrcwXfLM1LRFHoJJZUMqnzut1b5Jarum5KvlcS-P_8wlSu2JoXWHfJg4JPFJhUMRX3wJ51DzQydOGAXkuYqy1Qsdz913yM/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHeH6vdvLv5aRhPvx1S2SkRslVPEFJ13FXINfDEDkvxCzfhmNhEjvYil9hOFq5dkUuMyIeF4TGu4FwvmrQFV7lqth969-EOy6Kv7dL-W0ndRDctbfqpEFWbSVRm3vNsJW8tckBxjrIA8/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHeH6vdvLv5aRhPvx1S2SkRslVPEFJ13FXINfDEDkvxCzfhmNhEjvYil9hOFq5dkUuMyIeF4TGu4FwvmrQFV7lqth969-EOy6Kv7dL-W0ndRDctbfqpEFWbSVRm3vNsJW8tckBxjrIA8/s200/DSC_0044.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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</div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-85649005357112054222011-04-26T16:06:00.000-07:002011-04-26T16:07:47.482-07:00Striking Gold in Coromandel Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga12ZYSfLKHao87AZRu7wWmLVKlypvRicYEZZmNsAUCewXtVzgqh89npc5WLJ9VPPstFx3J_J3s1eAYqq74Wdi7N1LRjOXz8F8eIhfjsFTAibfNpaM887bU_i_ZX5lDzBRlwlV3cmqRBQ/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga12ZYSfLKHao87AZRu7wWmLVKlypvRicYEZZmNsAUCewXtVzgqh89npc5WLJ9VPPstFx3J_J3s1eAYqq74Wdi7N1LRjOXz8F8eIhfjsFTAibfNpaM887bU_i_ZX5lDzBRlwlV3cmqRBQ/s320/IMG_1584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamyMdZbCJsXEZiVhS9huL6VegPqv1r01OFPdL_G17UiemSv9HrUFnRVKv6m44TbZ8VwWrd_ICuWlw9i7outONhO44cRZtIiv820tJYGQmt8qMWtVSq_fBeLr2eUCvv0i3-ppxUSX6CYM/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamyMdZbCJsXEZiVhS9huL6VegPqv1r01OFPdL_G17UiemSv9HrUFnRVKv6m44TbZ8VwWrd_ICuWlw9i7outONhO44cRZtIiv820tJYGQmt8qMWtVSq_fBeLr2eUCvv0i3-ppxUSX6CYM/s200/IMG_1527.JPG" width="200" /></a>I just love this little town! Coromandel Town is in the part of New Zealand where gold was first discovered back in 1852. The area is rich with attractions celebrating it's gold mining heritage, and the cute little main street has is lined with shops like these. After lunch at one of the many outdoor cafes, I had a hard time leaving my seat! Boys enjoyed the huge fishing store. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DUuFeq5r8zNYvO_JIbULYGPubKh1OXa3HsZTMpT1ir6pYqqzxivbA81Cesli0-PQ6s98gZ-skS0N_jDqJ2r-zARtvRkzF8c5n52HI-ah_jEXATVwYo5USpsHPE78voOF2BB5h-86CiY/s1600/IMG_1530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DUuFeq5r8zNYvO_JIbULYGPubKh1OXa3HsZTMpT1ir6pYqqzxivbA81Cesli0-PQ6s98gZ-skS0N_jDqJ2r-zARtvRkzF8c5n52HI-ah_jEXATVwYo5USpsHPE78voOF2BB5h-86CiY/s320/IMG_1530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqhxpAEWDFSI8eGbuQr7IApLnitZUZYF6fpdL_PRWGJ9wvhxCLx2BZw7Z_qbNv2lbeRpLgA0tVZB4AnXPE6g7NG9Qha1wbAy7qRyz3zWqqwSCJkcYWFoUcIcbZzZlNyxQCPgOD9N4Nak/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqhxpAEWDFSI8eGbuQr7IApLnitZUZYF6fpdL_PRWGJ9wvhxCLx2BZw7Z_qbNv2lbeRpLgA0tVZB4AnXPE6g7NG9Qha1wbAy7qRyz3zWqqwSCJkcYWFoUcIcbZzZlNyxQCPgOD9N4Nak/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old-fashioned butcher shop had an amazing front display case.<br />
We bought bacon-garlic-onion sausages to grill up for dinner.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XbUXdiHUPQ-wZOsumpuhVFHhH7RR-DFGN_6sAl4fpTjUb0fYKAnjtzcO3fZnLIoYp9EFU6nxbvLwYYKdhnmJuBf-KjJq0c2HftqkvLSz1bx8HQjy33cm0pWaVjwx5PTozKfKpAWvJ_0/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XbUXdiHUPQ-wZOsumpuhVFHhH7RR-DFGN_6sAl4fpTjUb0fYKAnjtzcO3fZnLIoYp9EFU6nxbvLwYYKdhnmJuBf-KjJq0c2HftqkvLSz1bx8HQjy33cm0pWaVjwx5PTozKfKpAWvJ_0/s200/IMG_1531.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYorwm-oe62pgf2yjZI6uPHu03_vOobaB_pDkeWN3SL1uMIA9EGa-5HHFpj3-4FDLEPsv1Nwl7zKGnFsdlWmbe5WXXYE2y3a598IluX5UpUBYE32LZCoUVALWQHa-xa0NiS48U0TQMHI/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYorwm-oe62pgf2yjZI6uPHu03_vOobaB_pDkeWN3SL1uMIA9EGa-5HHFpj3-4FDLEPsv1Nwl7zKGnFsdlWmbe5WXXYE2y3a598IluX5UpUBYE32LZCoUVALWQHa-xa0NiS48U0TQMHI/s320/IMG_1586.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa3QCFwUQlYk6Qs6fD-BtgeNVArgBBxPwgtpHNRIcDDYDODgg4WdZG0lwfF-tNXouFzdOKs-bI_HWuBnq2y32yHXMUheE5LahX8HAE1ZrqYC7QLVwko0_yWSgbuV-DC026BRri4ltYcA/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa3QCFwUQlYk6Qs6fD-BtgeNVArgBBxPwgtpHNRIcDDYDODgg4WdZG0lwfF-tNXouFzdOKs-bI_HWuBnq2y32yHXMUheE5LahX8HAE1ZrqYC7QLVwko0_yWSgbuV-DC026BRri4ltYcA/s320/IMG_1549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We visited the Driving Creek potters and took a ride on the historic narrow gauge scenic railway. Other activities included a night-time walk through an old mine shaft cave to check out glowworms. Unfortunately the glowworms were less than impressive, but what WAS impressive was the amount of mud on the floor (ankle deep) and the size of the spider that hung just over our heads in a particularly narrow part. Had to turn off my headlamp & pretend it wasn't there!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the scenic Railway's "EyeFul Tower" high above the bay by Coromandel Town</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bscqnM1kXHKg2T1WfG_uL23RXOctVgZPRx9vndkCCYfXMr5ZmE-EY7lFUzyp7Nk1t-4f95OVMhfwakVMEQ-0WxdWHeK26S9ewhmpEL4uvMQoig2U2PMAiGJsMvsDJXMLSdHIyo9HEM0/s320/IMG_1592.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A funky attraction in Coromandel Town...Waterworks. Appropriately billed as "a uniquely kiwi quirky waterpark".<br />
Everything built from recycled & repurposed household items such as buckets, spoons, bike parts, car parts.<br />
Really kooky, and kids loved it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bscqnM1kXHKg2T1WfG_uL23RXOctVgZPRx9vndkCCYfXMr5ZmE-EY7lFUzyp7Nk1t-4f95OVMhfwakVMEQ-0WxdWHeK26S9ewhmpEL4uvMQoig2U2PMAiGJsMvsDJXMLSdHIyo9HEM0/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bscqnM1kXHKg2T1WfG_uL23RXOctVgZPRx9vndkCCYfXMr5ZmE-EY7lFUzyp7Nk1t-4f95OVMhfwakVMEQ-0WxdWHeK26S9ewhmpEL4uvMQoig2U2PMAiGJsMvsDJXMLSdHIyo9HEM0/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-53731889636497170712011-04-25T16:04:00.000-07:002011-04-26T01:30:44.700-07:00Ken scores big waves in Raglan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC8uM3002E8XFoFO65MgIhL9OopW6Sj2pGW-GJ3SaBcnXeYYei3kCW9M-4gQpFBko-mRcDiMsbvpWx0t11-YKM0nr4lahWOCBw9SFVfV1agEZK_DYoHH8fxki59j1oKbbZ0s8XAXnnOM/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC8uM3002E8XFoFO65MgIhL9OopW6Sj2pGW-GJ3SaBcnXeYYei3kCW9M-4gQpFBko-mRcDiMsbvpWx0t11-YKM0nr4lahWOCBw9SFVfV1agEZK_DYoHH8fxki59j1oKbbZ0s8XAXnnOM/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Scouting the waves @ Indicators. This morning was sunny and bright, with some double overhead sets and a fair amount of onshore wind. Paddling was exhausting, but somehow Ken found the strength to stay out for a few hours while the boys built driftwood creations and I played photographer. Somehow he even managed to paddle out there again for an evening session. What a trooper!<br />
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Although you can't tell from the photos, there were nearly 20 guys fighting for waves @ Indicators. Raglan locals are notoriously hostile to outsiders, but Ken says everyone was cool today and no one tried to burn him. Nice sharing, mates.<br />
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The downside of surfing Indicators...like most breaks at Raglan it is a reef break with rocky shores to negotiate going in and out. Ken got dinged up at the end of one of his sessions. <br />
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Heading out for an evening session. Family waiting back in the cottage for Ken to come in, shower up, and head in to town for dinner, but it may be a while...<br />
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<span id="goog_1017966071"></span><span id="goog_1017966072"></span>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-48401632994289644172011-04-23T20:05:00.000-07:002011-04-23T20:12:36.408-07:00Raglan - Quintessential Surf Town<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><br />
Road Trip!!! The boys are on Easter holidays from school, so we hit the road. First stop...Raglan. Famous for surf. Located several hours north of us on the West Coast of the North Island. We booked a "bach" (holiday home) ahead of time...tiny cottage in the middle of the bush within walking distance of "Indicators", one of the major surf breaks in the Raglan area.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsBpx-pF0_bt-Vzii9F2XDLxMq6BlERo3qXpF1gw87VfdsSo-ERa07RK2EjVO7q0xItX6s60KYKDtV8doT62o1ERdbaJhDh8c7zj-n-aIYVuRODRHEsfyALVmAv3yf1ew20VghbbLphs/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsBpx-pF0_bt-Vzii9F2XDLxMq6BlERo3qXpF1gw87VfdsSo-ERa07RK2EjVO7q0xItX6s60KYKDtV8doT62o1ERdbaJhDh8c7zj-n-aIYVuRODRHEsfyALVmAv3yf1ew20VghbbLphs/s200/IMG_1514.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The cottage was tiny, and kinda cute, unfortunately even though it was "secluded" in the middle of the bush as the internet ad claimed, there was also a larger 2-story house secluded right next door! Ah well, it was still fine. Ken can walk down the trail to Indicators to surf, and it is a few minutes' drive into town.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxlJTPHkInqvJN4FLNKbFbU7A7FLyAJJatTb4KpXVVcevY7V1J1T4XGGYszyJEcxRP4whYdPgeQIGoHXIoFzs2OiXOLLR7z4G4iznw10Vauu4AWmpRi8gPyIzFdYPyMNdfvfl08cr-Lc/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxlJTPHkInqvJN4FLNKbFbU7A7FLyAJJatTb4KpXVVcevY7V1J1T4XGGYszyJEcxRP4whYdPgeQIGoHXIoFzs2OiXOLLR7z4G4iznw10Vauu4AWmpRi8gPyIzFdYPyMNdfvfl08cr-Lc/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo3CyklkQjPPzZoXci5ATSbzcmVfpIVmasRmbQyS4lKhfxh3MhotehU3qCGYdaMNy7aXIMOsjWMT0qr-ieTzKFqknARjMk7zAIjGtH-yClknrljItar4WOIrJCsHMF-FnPgmwmDHtBLw/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo3CyklkQjPPzZoXci5ATSbzcmVfpIVmasRmbQyS4lKhfxh3MhotehU3qCGYdaMNy7aXIMOsjWMT0qr-ieTzKFqknARjMk7zAIjGtH-yClknrljItar4WOIrJCsHMF-FnPgmwmDHtBLw/s200/IMG_1511.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The view from the cottage, however, was FANTASTIC! We awoke to a birdsong chorus, and on the way to the beach we walked through the bush with tuis, kererus and fantails flitting about. Gavin startled a pheasant on his way down the path...almost gave him a heart attack.<br />
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Whale Bay was the next surf break over. Here's Grif and Gav on the rocks at sunset, or should we say moonrise (gorgeous full moon). It was a great area for rock-hopping and scavenging driftwood.<br />
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Visited gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls, and puttered around the town of Raglan, into cute little shops and eateries. Great organic veggie burgers @ Burger Shack, great sushi takeaways @ Aloha, and FINALLY great pizza @ Vinnie's (first good pizza since we've been here!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Veil Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raglan street scene</td></tr>
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</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo3CyklkQjPPzZoXci5ATSbzcmVfpIVmasRmbQyS4lKhfxh3MhotehU3qCGYdaMNy7aXIMOsjWMT0qr-ieTzKFqknARjMk7zAIjGtH-yClknrljItar4WOIrJCsHMF-FnPgmwmDHtBLw/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-1913705295304959162011-04-15T04:26:00.000-07:002011-04-15T04:26:28.549-07:00Ken's Kiwi Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTnkc6vJeEeE4XJKwSmOSQjSCAuwEx1b6B8uTsK1KukN45eArVwehsWWJjEPDPHs2GEzevstV0IhpeNTqTc4EXPH8CP_K0MwDC04iDw0LFLrMKJo_v8TqXCCEus0Sc4qNhx-VlBrnuJM/s1600/IMG_1431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTnkc6vJeEeE4XJKwSmOSQjSCAuwEx1b6B8uTsK1KukN45eArVwehsWWJjEPDPHs2GEzevstV0IhpeNTqTc4EXPH8CP_K0MwDC04iDw0LFLrMKJo_v8TqXCCEus0Sc4qNhx-VlBrnuJM/s320/IMG_1431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Birthdays are big occasions here in Opunake, just as they are in the states. Ken turned, ahem, 43 yesterday, and had a sweet as birthday.<br />
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Started the day by sleeping in...no work! Gavin made pancakes, then as kids headed off to school Ken headed off to surf. Apparently the swell wasn't great that day, but he had fun poking around the breaks in the area, and finally discovered where the mysterious "Spot X" is.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sugar Juice gang, and one kooky 9 year old</td></tr>
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Come evening, we headed to Sugar Juice for dinner. Pumpkin soup, curry...as usual, Jarrah's kitchen did not disappoint, and Beth's cake was deee-licious.<br />
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Friends came to celebrate. Thanks to Steve & Sue & Weldon, Shelly & Peter, Mary & Kevin, and Michelle & Geoff for your friendship and warm wishes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jarrah - genius in the kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Jyyn1imr76PlumIv69w5GsjUtX5XF31Qi0oOZUFGEVy4c9Y9eaOD8yiyHukHKFV8ILMP4MKzhiT0gGKptXSL68_NRHl7JNxhqx9sNtv6DwKffbu8PtxIUcERuTqck923uBhUt6sveL4/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Jyyn1imr76PlumIv69w5GsjUtX5XF31Qi0oOZUFGEVy4c9Y9eaOD8yiyHukHKFV8ILMP4MKzhiT0gGKptXSL68_NRHl7JNxhqx9sNtv6DwKffbu8PtxIUcERuTqck923uBhUt6sveL4/s320/IMG_1442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue & Ken - birthday buddies</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Sue for sharing her 50th birthday with Ken. Sue's big party is Saturday..."Hawaii 5-0" so break out the grass skirts!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We're so grateful to Sue and her family for their friendship. They are another two-boy family with whom we feel a special connection. It helps that Steve is American! They've helped us ease our way into Opunake by giving us advice, bike helmets, fellowship, and a friend for Gavin. We'll miss them dearly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727260883914185575.post-65074291455835652102011-04-14T04:15:00.000-07:002011-04-15T04:28:17.108-07:00A day in the life of a kiwi housewife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So I've had some people say that it is nice to hear about travel or special events, but they are curious as to what on earth I actually do most days. I'm afraid the answer isn't at all fascinating or exotic. Yes, I've slowed down immensely from my usual days in the states. No, I'm not bored yet. Yes, I read more and have more time to linger over a cup of tea with my new friends. No, I don't read all day long, unfortunately. Yes, I do have more time to exercise. No, I don't exercise more!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiK8VuUWnDBdFvguWaVuFf_H_Ioku8d2hQsJ5a2b7Y1z_PdsX80Lk15GYLvF-5xrx23V8u0xlecVeffUpk3rYVGB2idpD4oDx5x4aKDzirt6ijLYzGQr6Vl8ICnq2tFGO96DSTnzadKg/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiK8VuUWnDBdFvguWaVuFf_H_Ioku8d2hQsJ5a2b7Y1z_PdsX80Lk15GYLvF-5xrx23V8u0xlecVeffUpk3rYVGB2idpD4oDx5x4aKDzirt6ijLYzGQr6Vl8ICnq2tFGO96DSTnzadKg/s320/IMG_1380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I decided to keep my camera with me yesterday as I had one of my regular old days on my bicycle. The morning began similarly to any weekday morning here or in the states...make breakfast, make school lunches, and hustle kids off to school, running late as usual. Biked to school with the kids.<br />
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On the way home from school, I stopped by the community gardens and weeded the herb box. This way, I felt good about pinching some sage for dinner tonight!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcB4GI1zbv7fGlsIk37rCdsObPdQoI6A6J_gWeFmfposmQpIBeW0WXu6Vq3eLXLcLlXiGogwQV5n_S5CqVkEeLOnIlsUXroD8l5phVPfe4BEVu7iAbJWwftFyLp4oXLBdT4nHweA3Pdw/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcB4GI1zbv7fGlsIk37rCdsObPdQoI6A6J_gWeFmfposmQpIBeW0WXu6Vq3eLXLcLlXiGogwQV5n_S5CqVkEeLOnIlsUXroD8l5phVPfe4BEVu7iAbJWwftFyLp4oXLBdT4nHweA3Pdw/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Griffin's guitar teacher introduced me to the community gardens. There are official work parties on Saturdays, but anyone can go during the week and put in some effort. It has helped me learn about using plant-based supports like flax & bamboo, and we also discovered that we like gooseberries...who knew?<br />
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The community garden also has two "chooks" or chickens. When you garden there you can let them out of their nice little pen to scratch around. <br />
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On the way home from the gardens, I stopped at Gillbanks to see what fresh fish they had for dinner. With the help of Mr. Gillbanks, I selected half a kilo of lemonfish. Gillbanks is an institution here in Opunake. People tell me that at the elementary school, Mondays were historically fish & chip days for school lunches, until someone with the school district's nutritional board put an end to that. Grif & Gav were so bummed to hear that they arrived too late for "fish & chip Mondays", because they love Gillbanks. Many think it is the best fish & chips in Taranaki. I like the fact that we have a little shop with daily fresh fish in the front window. Now if only we had a grill...<br />
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It was sunny & warm with a light breeze...perfect day for laundry. Somehow I am manager for Griffin's basketball team, which means that I wash uniforms after each game! So the rest of the morning found me doing laundry & mopping a few floors...fascinating, I know.<br />
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Had to admire the mountain, Mt Taranaki, from my backyard while I was hanging laundry. I've gotten used to glancing up to the east and knowing that the mountain is there - either invisibly shrouded in clouds, or in full crisp display, or partially covered by changing wisps of clouds, as today. The snow has returned in the last few weeks as the weather is getting colder. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQuDKUaMNAIN_djCa14o17irBafN3pAz7E0z3JAzL_UKTODu6fX-1PNzvrnVbZF12eNc-7NdVLaiAVzWh6fZEojmcj4q5UaRA4F72predIIeYtqfxtWqL9P76F2G5FwSNG00Dhx9c-7o/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQuDKUaMNAIN_djCa14o17irBafN3pAz7E0z3JAzL_UKTODu6fX-1PNzvrnVbZF12eNc-7NdVLaiAVzWh6fZEojmcj4q5UaRA4F72predIIeYtqfxtWqL9P76F2G5FwSNG00Dhx9c-7o/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJimU4IQXr9M59O98cEUn2K2KJzWO9m4OHbMwhhgsRr1q5u-wV4GDwgxl95atIOH7dyKhVt4vGwxz58y6iOiEu5aFya4f-drHHyfjjEKWjmYPTeJBhMamNWz6CnakeRPMA7TkZIVLxGVE/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJimU4IQXr9M59O98cEUn2K2KJzWO9m4OHbMwhhgsRr1q5u-wV4GDwgxl95atIOH7dyKhVt4vGwxz58y6iOiEu5aFya4f-drHHyfjjEKWjmYPTeJBhMamNWz6CnakeRPMA7TkZIVLxGVE/s200/DSC_0043.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken's corn fritters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoMCepybG007stIez-DADWCI1IvZUPThJnTKCH17RcGkmhWnqKTKWhTAq3hzsCwW9ttHWAD01R7v_Mz1bhzXbXkpcmCB_FikZRUN6-kIBNsFYsQuHFSZs8oXRXQO4HaXFI0AFKQ41qIU/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoMCepybG007stIez-DADWCI1IvZUPThJnTKCH17RcGkmhWnqKTKWhTAq3hzsCwW9ttHWAD01R7v_Mz1bhzXbXkpcmCB_FikZRUN6-kIBNsFYsQuHFSZs8oXRXQO4HaXFI0AFKQ41qIU/s200/DSC_0044.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cashew chicken salad</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I did something nicer than usual in the middle of the day...I met Ken at work at noon, and we walked over to Headlands for lunch. For such a small town, it is amazing that we have the dining options that we do. Headlands seems to cater to the business lunch crowd...there were lots of "suits" there during our lunch. (From nearby oil & gas industry?) Who says you can't have fine dining in a dairy farming town of 1,400?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJimU4IQXr9M59O98cEUn2K2KJzWO9m4OHbMwhhgsRr1q5u-wV4GDwgxl95atIOH7dyKhVt4vGwxz58y6iOiEu5aFya4f-drHHyfjjEKWjmYPTeJBhMamNWz6CnakeRPMA7TkZIVLxGVE/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></span></span>After lunch I hopped back on my bike and headed to the kids' school. I joined a work party that was preparing for the big "hangi" meal that was to take place at the marae visit the next day (more on that later). While men dug the hole and prepared the fire & stones, women peeled potatoes & kumara (like a yam), crumbed bread for stuffing, and sorted pieces of chicken, beef & lamb. I peeled and chopped what must have been at least 200 onions. A hangi is a traditional Maori meal prepared in a manner common to other Polynesian cultures. Felt similar to a luau to the kids & I. But I digress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I peeled & chopped onions until the dismissal bell rang @ school. Then I collected my kids & the Park boys, and walked to the Dump with my friend Sue and her two boys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqC2GQNhvs8sERXVJtz-0-E3Fk5U9BNs7NKfbXWo-6d1T7nzopldSr0ULtP1JSq4kQhrmkmWeueIYrIGb4qRmyxac5mLc2NAjrBllQ2jSliiwmD0GYLPWzqF2bpb_AXJ8MDeol8VPDbU/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqC2GQNhvs8sERXVJtz-0-E3Fk5U9BNs7NKfbXWo-6d1T7nzopldSr0ULtP1JSq4kQhrmkmWeueIYrIGb4qRmyxac5mLc2NAjrBllQ2jSliiwmD0GYLPWzqF2bpb_AXJ8MDeol8VPDbU/s200/IMG_1390.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-jYD7SVhXyv9gaBx_WdE3FenSqSFg-dIqZGtidnBDWp4iU1LXSgx_u-Cjr8zCRuE-fv3wPzUDKDhI3Y5Rh5_8i1py2R1bYC5kjRZ0XtuAiP3opiKbROAR6sa7yf_djIVsiBD2lkjsok/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-jYD7SVhXyv9gaBx_WdE3FenSqSFg-dIqZGtidnBDWp4iU1LXSgx_u-Cjr8zCRuE-fv3wPzUDKDhI3Y5Rh5_8i1py2R1bYC5kjRZ0XtuAiP3opiKbROAR6sa7yf_djIVsiBD2lkjsok/s200/IMG_1399.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>We found some really nice pieces of sea glass down at the Dump. I scored my biggest piece of cobalt blue yet, and Griffin found a very special red heart-shaped piece. We brought them home in our pockets and added them to our stash that we keep in a hokey-pokey ice cream container.<br />
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As it neared 5:00 we walked home, with Mt Taranaki visible in the distance, so that I could get the lemonfish ready for dinner. Our next door neighbors Rex & Lorraine were our dinner guests that night. They had just arrived home from a months travels in the Middle East, and we were anxious to hear about thier trip.<br />
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And that, my friends, is a day in the life of a kiwi housewife.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lori & Ken Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092588688253609965noreply@blogger.com0