This was the view from our back door the morning we left Norfolk for New Zealand. And I know from my emailing/facebooking friends and relatives how bad it got, I think we just escaped from Heathrow in the nick of time.
We arrived to rapturous excitement a couple of hours later than we should have, but we got here! Weather wasn't brilliant when we arrived but has bucked up considerably since.
Beccie's boyfriend Jack had been diving off the north coast with is family, and brought back a giant cray fish for us to have for supper that first night. I've seen smaller lobsters! Anyway it was beautiful, and we met him the next day - under-going Trial by Grandparents!
From Kit's top deck we had a view of the ocean! The sky looks strangely dull but it was actually very blue and very sunny.
We had a stroll along the beach, then the children played on the swings tip it was time to go home for a BBQ in the sunshine. Not that I'm trying to make you feel chilly!
Yesterday we had a trip out to Devonport, the Naval base. Kit had taken Jim and I there last time we were in NZ. This was better weather, and I had discovered there was a quilting shop there - thanks to an article in an old Australian quilting mag which I'd held onto. I have to say they didn't have much apart from plenty of fabric, and I was after some embroidery threads. However I did manage to get some nice fabric to make Beccie a cushion cover and some appliqué for her new bedroom.
The boys were very keen to explore the tunnels up at the Battery, though Bex found them spooky!
The view from the top. You get a panoramic view of the Auckland skyline, Rangitoto the slumbering volcanic island just offshore, and Devonport itself. Lots of lovely old-fashioned wooden homes, very 'New England' I felt.
Fraser finds a cave! Just managed to catch up with him before he scooted off headlong into it!
Mr Midshipman Fraser looking out to sea.
And Pirate Captain Dylan checking out the mechanics. Well that's all for now folks, am very tired, and we have a early start tomorrow. I know you will forgive my unpreviewed post - I'll do better next time! Keep warm!
Fabulous Lynne! Keep enjoying yourself! Xxx
ReplyDeleteCertainly will, Sue. Hope to write a better post tomorrow - I was seriously tired and just whisked this one off!
DeleteNice memories there Lynne. I really like Devonport.
ReplyDeleteWe really liked it when Kit took us for a morning 2 years ago, but the weather was better this time and Fraser is older and more amenable! Strange to think that many years ago Jim was considering what to do next when his time was up in the RN...and we did briefly think about him transferring to the NZ Navy...I could be living in one of those lovely clap-board homes by now!
DeleteAll great to see, all so different to here and interesting. Never expected you to be posting so it's a bonus. Have a super time and look forward to seeing more if you can manage it.
ReplyDeleteJo x
Hi Jo, yes, I thought I'd bring the laptop and keep in touch with everyone by blog and face-book - saves hitting them with a pile of photos when we get home! I'm hoping to blog every few days, but shorter than usual posts!
DeleteHi Lynne, what a wonderful time you all have over there down under !
ReplyDelete(ha,the weather will be a lot better than the winter with lots of SNOW we have over here .... but we'll enjoy it while it lasts : that's the fun of not working anymore ;-).... !)
Hi , we are having the BEST time here, so lovely to see our NZ grandchildren. And I certainly can't complain about the weather. We were VERY lucky to get away before Heathrow grounded all the planes!
DeleteWishing I was there......it's sooooo cold here! Have a great time! :) x
ReplyDeleteAda it is just great. Only half the temp they are having in OZ thank goodness, and we are not visiting my relatives there this time, (because of leaving mum too long.) I think 40 in the shade would totally do for me! Hoping to add some more short posts soon. Lx
DeleteWell, you know me and heat aren't the best of friends, so this cold weather is for me, preferable to the hot sun. But just in case you are missing dear old Blighty... have sent an email showing today's snowy scenes. We even had a power cut last night, luckily not a long one, but we were beginning to feel the cold start to set in with radiators slowly cooling!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your sun.... we'll try and keep some snow for when you get home, just so you can enjoy a bit of winter!
Maggie, the heat here would NOT be good for you! But it really isn't extreme, and we do have overcast starts to the days. Friends of ours nearer to King's Lynn had a gas pipe-line problem, so they were without heating or cooking for a couple of days...NOT the best time for that to happen! And don't feel constrained to hang onto that snow!
DeleteOh, and thanks for your email and photos, will reply anon. Lx