Thursday, 31 December 2009

Day 179 - Giant macrocarpa



Giant macrocarpa tree

Wednesday, 30 December 2009

Day 178 - Race day



Chatham Island Race Day
Wild Eye bringing up the rear

Tuesday, 29 December 2009

Day 177 - Basalt columns




Basalt columns

The basalt columns are a naturally occurring area of volcanic rock which can be seen when out towards the western side of Chatham Island. Erosion has diminished their height over the years. However, the columns are still a remarkable sight to see.

Monday, 28 December 2009

Day 176 - Gingerbread house



Gingerbread house
Made by my cousin for Christmas and enjoyed by children of all ages

Sunday, 27 December 2009

Day 175 - Anglican church





Anglican church
Chatham Island

This is the tiny Anglican church on Chatham Island, the site of four family baptisms on Christmas Day. The service started out informally and then deteriorated rapidly with two of the children being baptised protesting loudly and numerous parents and godparents trying to collectively calm down an hysterical crescendo of screams! All of my father's siblings were baptised at this church, many of my cousins, and now most of their own children. It only seats about 30 people, almost the number of family members who were present at the baptism that day.

Saturday, 26 December 2009

Day 174 - Flounder



Flounder
Freshly caught and cooked for breakfast

Friday, 25 December 2009

Day 173 - Crayfish



Crayfish
Freshly caught and ready for cooking
One of many delicious crayfish meals during our holiday

Thursday, 24 December 2009

Day 172 - Paua shell jar


Paua shell jar

This jar full of paua shell fragments sits on the corner of my grandparents' grave as a reminder of their love for the sea (Grandad was a fisherman) and Grandma's Maori heritage.

Wednesday, 23 December 2009

Day 171 - Wedding dress



Wedding dress

This is my sister-in-law's wedding dress in the back of the plane we flew to the Chatham Islands in. The air hostess was so excited to see a wedding dressing hanging in the cargo hold that she whipped out her camera as proof for when she told the story to others! We thought it was a great photo opportunity, too.

Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Day 170 - Christmas tree



Our Christmas tree

It's rather demure this year, as we will be away for the big day, but the sentiment is just the same - and the pile of presents is growing!

Saturday, 12 December 2009

Day 169 - Santa and Mrs Claus



Santa and Mrs Claus
Already sharing the Christmas spirit
Looks like Santa had a go at putting on Mrs Claus' makeup!

Friday, 11 December 2009

Day 168 - Gingerbread decorations


 

Fresh from the oven

Thursday, 10 December 2009

Day 167 - Kids' camping chairs



 

Kids' camping chairs
I want one!

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

Day 166 - Buzzy bee ride



Buzzy bee ride
My 21-month-old nephew would be thrilled!

Monday, 7 December 2009

Day 165 - Knight in unpolished armour



Knight in unpolished armour
Coming to the rescue!

Saturday, 5 December 2009

Day 164 - Christmas tree



Christmas tree
Midland Park, Wellington

Friday, 4 December 2009

Day 163 - Lemon



Little lemon
Look closely or you'll miss it!

The first lemon to survive from my sweetie's lemon tree - almost as big as a $1 coin ...

Tuesday, 1 December 2009

Day 162 - Sunset



 

Sunset

I rushed outside as I saw the last of today's sun illuminating my front windows. Unfortunately, my camera couldn't do justice to the sunset over Cook Strait. I tried to zoom and capture the little rings of light peeking through the clouds. It was a moment of true beauty.