October 2010

I was trying to think back to October (it is now December) and was feeling that is was a year ago, not just a few months ago. Then again, I spent most of October and November in Maine and not in New Zealand.


The typical pastoral scene. This is what we all think NZ looks like, and low and behold! There it is! This was taken on Duder Regional Park, which is near (30 minutes) us.

Duder Regional Park. This is a Pukeko. They are amazing to look at; loud screeching at night; and eat other birds' chicks by herding them away from safety.

Pukeko. That amazing white bum!







The following series was taken at Hunua Falls









At Hunua Falls. After walking for an hour or 2, depending on which side of the loop you choose, you end up at a dam. But I like the sibling threat!



Volodya's birthday dinner.

March 2010, mostly two sunsets

It seems that in March we were exhausted! These are all the picture I have for the month of March!!! I do remember feeling, "can't we just stay home this weekend?". So, I guess we did. Following are pictures of one sunset from our house. After that are pictures of another sunset at the local reserve (park, to you Americans). Enjoy!

Looking North West







Looking South East

Back to NorthWest







These are at the local reserve. During the summer, on work nights, Volodya would get us all out to walk and see the sunsets. They all were spectacular! The days would be quite warm, but to walk in the park required our "jumpers" (sweaters).



The follow two shots are of the fantail. An amazing, small bird. They are bug eaters and love to follow people as they walk, because people disturb the bugs and the fantails get a feast! Every movement of this bird is accompanied by a flair-ing of the tail. It is really quite something to watch!

February 2010, with humans!

First day of school, and of course it is a day to wear the formal uniform!

J & S's first day of school. Also in uniforms for the first time!

Here is the expression of our true feelings about the uniform "thing"!


Volodya is in heaven here! Fajoia grows in our back yard!!! This is a fruit that grows in his home town of Sochi, and he missed in because it is virtually unknown in the US.


Cut from the banana trees that grow in the bottom garden.

The view of the house, from the banana trees. (!) Just a bit steep!
J & S playing in the driveway. Remember, all you northern hemisphere people, this is February!!!