Te Papa had been transformed this Labour weekend; into a bright beacon of colour and music from the Pacific. We approached the entrance and gasped at the colourful ribbon, stars and banners hanging from the main foyer. Charlotte laughed hysterically at this ‘full’ head of afro hair saying, ‘He’s wearing a microphone on his head!’: […]
Sarah
Close Encounter
KEVAN ANDERTON/Dominion Post JUST VISITING: A 12-metre southern right whale has been cruising Wellington’s coastline since Sunday.
There She Blows!
We got lucky and saw the whale today! The day started with Dan catching a bus to work, at 8.10am, and then Charlotte shouting at me, ‘Telephone! Telephone!’. I pelted downstairs (as I keep forgetting to set the ring tone to ring more than six times) and just grabbed the phone in time (to cheers […]
Whale in Houghton Bay!
I can’t believe we missed seeing this whale in Houghton Bay on Sunday! We had friends round in the ‘avo and they said the traffic was crazy along the South Coast. We presumed there must be dolphins close to shore. If only we’d taken a stroll down to the bay! At times, the whale was […]
Domestic Bliss
It’s been a cracker of a weekend. One of those weekend’s where we got lots done on the domestic chore list, but didn’t feel like we were trying hard. We’re sitting here on Sunday evening feeling very chilled and happy (England winning against France certainly kicked the day off to a good start!). Dan’s tapping […]
Open 2 View: Wet Weather Dreaming
There’s been a few grumpy faces around Wellington these past few weeks (and not just because of the All Blacks loss at The World Cup). Miserable wet and windy weather has driven a few folk to surf the Internet and consider a move. I’ve bumped into the same faces repeatedly at Te Papa and other […]
Which Numberjack Are You?
For those with young children you’ll probably know what the ‘Numberjacks’ are. Charlotte really got into this show whilst holidaying in the UK and watching it on ‘CBeebies’. Soon after we returned to New Zealand she was extremely excited to see it coming to Playhouse Disney (and counted down the days till it’s premier showing!). […]
Haircut Dramas!
Taking shelter outdoors at Te Papa and experiencing some caving. Despite the terrible gales and rain we’re managing to stay sane here. Though Charlotte did take to her hair with a pair of scissors with terrible results. Thankfully she’s careful with scissors and didn’t take her ears off! I’m going to have to take her […]
Four Seasons in One Day
The infamous Crowded House song, ‘Four Seasons in One Day,’ certainly rang true in Wellington today! Helen Leggatt in Canterbury, New Zealand, regularly posts to an online forum about life in New Zealand, which has a weather thread, and people from all over New Zealand post their daily observations. Her San Diego Reader article sums […]
Stop Their Extinction
Sign WWF’s petition to save Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins. Without protection, Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins which live only in New Zealand will become extinct. Right now, we have a chance to stop their extinction. WWF are calling on the government to take the strongest measures possible to protect our Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins. Please support […]
Entertainment from the Car
The miserable wind and wet weather continues over the school holidays. We are having fun at home, but the occasional drive out lifts all our spirits. The other day we cruised down past the end of Evan’s Bay, along Cobham Drive, to look at the great sculptures (check out the Wellington Sculpture Trust‘s website for […]
Definitely Two Cats
With relief ‘Moonlight’ the kitten appeared at our back door this morning wearing a collar. It’s been absent at nights, so I’d hoped it had an owner and seemed far too gorgeous and friendly to not have someone caring for it. I guess its owners must be out a lot during the day and it […]
Unremarkable?
Today was a day like millions of other stay-at-home parents around the world, but does that make it any less remarkable? Children wake up every morning with driven curiosity and grasp at every opportunity to learn and explore. As a parent I feel a tremendous responsibility to ensure the doors are wide open in every […]
Eruption!
CREDIT: Lion Foundation Rescue Helicopter LAHAR VISIBLE: In this shot taken over Mt Ruapehu by helicopter one of the lahars from the eruption can be clearly seen. Visit Stuff.co.nz for news on the Ruapehu eruption.