Things I miss

I've just got back from Sydney where I spent Christmas.  It was wonderful seeing family and friends but it also made me realise there are a few things I miss.  Friends and family obviously.  Big cricket matches, at this time of year the Boxing Day test match in Melbourne that takes over conversation even if you don't follow it normally.  We don't talk about the cricket here, it's too depressing.  But it's also the little things like this, the isle sign in a local supermarket.  I love the 'wierd food' isle!!

Also finished

Our new space out the front of the library, no longer a construction site!

 

 

My karanga course.  Karanga is the māori call that welcomes you and signals many other things.  This is part of the class on graduation day last weekend.

 

And the latest piece of street art.  Painted on the side of a local gallery, the clock tower on the main street and a commentary on a possible version of the future.

Kiwi Advent

Well, Pukekos actually.  Our children's staff have created a wonderful bookey advent calender, each Pukeko hides some wonderful holiday reading.  I love Pukekos, they have a fabulous quirky walk that includes a tail flick and these guys certainly brighten things up.

Finished

We have handed in our final assignments and class has finished for the year.  We are all mightily relieved but not sure what we are going to do with our Tuesday nights.  What do you do in this situation - put down a hangi and get everyone together for a final celebration.

Not a photo of the mountain

Although it is still looking spectacular with a good covering of snow.  No, this is a photo of a sculpture that sits in the entrance way of the Council offices.  It represents the mountain (obviously)  and as I walked past it the other day I noticed that someone has placed a lovely hanky or maybe a small napkin on it's peak, a nod no doubt to it's current state in real life rather than a resting place for lost property.

One small step closer

I think I'm probably one small step closer to thinking like a local.  Why?  The weather today has been awful - cold, very wet and a south-westerly wind that has whipped round the mountain, still covered in snow and come in off the sea.  Not that unusual for spring in Taranaki.  And I did not hesitate for even a second in my footwear selection for a trip to the supermarket.

No Sleep, too much food

This weekend was the annual weekend away for my māori class.  As in previous years there was little sleep, fabulous and copious food, lots and lots of laughter.  There were also lots of activities, official and unofficial, this is what you do while you are waiting for dinner - dance!