A New Icon

Yesterday the new Len Lye Centre opened its doors to the public and New Plymouth welcomed a new icon to sit alongside the Mountain and the Wind Wand.  So what makes it instantly iconic?

This.  A highly polished, curved stainless steel facade that is already one of the most photographed buildings in town.

Two views

It's been a while since I posted, mainly because, apart from work stuff, not a lot has been happening.  But yesterday I had the chance to go around the mountain.  It has been cold and as the day was clear I got some fantastic shots of the mountain.  In the morning from the north ...

 and just on sunset from the south.

Spot the Difference

Thursday night

 and Saturday night

Rain and a larger crowd on Saturday but the most significant differences are the goal posts and line markings.  The stadium staff had 36 hours to change the pitch from Football (soccer) for the FIFA U20 World Cup games to Rugby for the Chiefs v Hurricanes match.  Btw, Brazil won against Uruguay 5-4 on a penalty shootout and the Hurricanes won 21-13.

Not quite Rutherglen

Normally at this time of year I'm in north Eastern Victoria enjoying some fabulous wine and a seriously flash lunch.  This year I'm at home but there is still food and fun involved - the monthly craft market that also has some great food and live music.

Enjoying a fine day between the showers and Dutch donuts 

And Today...

Snow

The weather is finally turning and there is permanent snow on the mountain.

Earlier this week

and yesterday

I've also finished all that prep, 140 strands and my blisters are almost healed.  You'll notice that the 'help' is still very interested in the process.  I'm not taking bets on how much of this will end up on the floor over the next few days.

Preperation

I've spent a chunk of the weekend preping flax for a couple of things I want to make.  It's relaxing and quite therapeutic but I'd forgotten what it does to your hands.

Blisters.  I also had some 'help'.  Poppy is still spending most of her time under my bed.