December 29, 2024

Christmas in New Zealand 

Rich Hunter, Director of Public Affairs, stands with couples who serve in Communications.  His wife, Laura, and four of their five children are seated.  The Hunters hosted dinner in their beautiful yard.  Rich’s entire staff rotates every 18 months or so.  Yet, he finds only great benefits of serving with senior missionaries.  He feels the constant review of the basics keeps the team focused.  I wish to exemplify his endless positive nature.

The tree in downtown Auckland.  It’s not yet dark enough to see the lovely lights.

We frequently pass through this square on Queens Street.  The wind blows hard on this December evening.

Large Christmas ornaments stand in the background.  The wind now blows in the opposite direction.

We saw the amazing Holiday window display on Queens Street.  The Māori theme was splendidly executed.  The children in the dugout boat, the kiwi birds, and the flowering trees were life-like.

The ferries flying up and down sparkled in the display.  I recalled the ZCMI window displays of yesteryear.  Great artists continue to entertain our craving for holiday beauty.

Jeremy and Amy Jaggi, of the Pacific Area Presidency, hosted a holiday potluck dinner in their home.  Amy, right, is one of the most amazing women I know.   Their home is beautiful and inviting.  Their two youngest children currently serve missions in Mexico and the Netherlands. 

 

Four of our fabulous senior sisters.

The Healys stand against the railing while Baldwins are seated.  The view from this third level apartment is stunning.  The ocean background makes any home feel peaceful.

Happy birthday to this fabulous man.  I’m blessed to share my life with him.  Today we celebrate his birthday.

He’s walking through the Redwood Forest in Rotorua.

I’ve traveled the world with this man, my forever companion, and give daily thanks for him.  Happy Birthday Rick!!

 

December 22, 2024

Summer arrives in time for Christmas

 

The Pohutukawa Tree.  These beauties line the Takapuna beach, and many of the city streets.  Conveniently, they bloom in December.  The beauty of a beach decorated for the holidays is breathtaking. 

The delicate blooms remind me of tinsel garlands, only prettier.

The ground is covered in fallen spindles.

Nature’s beauty will always trump our holiday décor.

I stand with Diane Healy and the Garners.  Karen Garner popped in with her elf costume for our Christmas brunch.  I hardly recognized her with the wig.  She’s one in a million.  

Elder and Sister pose in their New Zealand aprons. 

Their daughter delivered a baby three months again and faced endless health challenges since the birth.  Finally, she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.  The Farrells left their service here to return and help their daughter’s family.  God bless this amazing and dedicated couple. 

Elder Owen, from Australia, manned the smoothie bar.  His creations were delectable.  His wife, Penny, led us in traditional down under carols such as “Christmas Where the Gum Trees Grow” and “12 Days of Christmas New Zealand”, where A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree replaces the partridge in a pear tree.

These senior missionaries know how to cook.  The brunch spread was unbelievable.  The huge bowl of fresh berries was my favorite.  Clean-up is a snap with this group.  These people have spent a lifetime putting the church back together after a social function.  No one leaves early.  Yet, within ten minutes the task is finished and we’re walking out the door.  What's not to love about that!!

 

My morning walks reveal countless blooms in yards throughout the city.

I enjoy summer in December.

We pass this home daily on our walk to the office.  I take in the contrasting orange and purple booms.  Nature’s creations truly gladden the heart.

Imagine your yard looking like this and needing no hand to help the growth.  New Zealand’s endless vegetation provides glorious feasts for the eyes, not to mention the fragrance.  Jasmine currently blooms and we detect the aroma long before seeing the plants.

 

 

December 15, 2024

Family in New Zealand

Bicycling in the Redwood Forrest – MaryAnne and Melanie

John and Thomas opted for tougher biking terrain.

Mitai Maori Village

We enjoyed the entertaining show and learning more about the Māori culture.

The hangi method of cooking:  Place sticks across an open pit, stack rocks on the burning stick.  When the sticks collapse, the hot rocks cook the wrapped food.

Hamilton Gardens.  Rick stands in the Egyptian Garden.  Our favorites were the rose garden, kitchen garden, and Italian garden.

The beautiful sunny day in Hamilton was the perfect ending to our Rotorua trip.

The kids flew to the South Island and rented a camper.  They travelled to see some spectacular sites.

They cruised through the stunning Milford Sound and hiked beautiful trails.

Goat Island Marine Reserve, the perfect place to snorkel.

A stingray well hidden on the bottom of the bay.

The pink fish had spots that seemed to glisten under water.

We succeeded at snorkeling here.  It was also a bit exhausting.  Are we aging? The gear kept us warm and afloat.   Melanie spotted the Honey Center on our way home.  We enjoyed that delightful stop.  I enjoyed the Lavender Honey.  Melanie gave the Thyme honey a big thumbs down.  

On the ferry headed to Rangitoto Island.  MaryAnne and John went to Waiheke Island so we took our own island excursion.

We climbed to the peak of the volcanic island then took the long path along the shoreline.  Tom and Mel are still smiling after 10 miles of walking.

These great chefs prepared a New Zealand Thanksgiving dinner: lamb with fresh mint sauce, roasted Kumara (purple, orange, and yellow sweet potatoes), Charcuterie board, elegant green salad, and fresh fruit.  This was our last night all together.

I insisted MaryAnne and John join the Saturday morning pickleball group.  They played so well.  Everyone enjoyed their friendly conversations and each recognized Mary had a huge background playing tennis.

Our joyous two weeks ended so quickly.  Rick and I saw much more of New Zealand with our travels.  This was the best holiday season for us.  We may not be with family on Christmas day, but this time was truly a gift.

 

 

December 10, 2024

Hobbiton and Rotorua

FAMILY!!  We were thrilled to host some of our family for a few weeks in November.  Everyone enjoyed the magical setting of Hobbiton.

Thomas and Melanie pose with “Gandalf”.

The foxglove blooms added color to the gardens of the tiny shire homes.

We could barely fit together in this Hobbit home.

The scenes felt like something from a movie, imagine!

Lunch (second breakfast) tasted delicious.  We tried to sample everything.

Walking through the Redwood Forrest felt cool and quiet.  The early evening stroll made us feel almost alone in this beautiful setting.

Kaituna River Falls:  We dressed and received instructions from our animated guide, Jasper.

We start with an easy waterfall.

Jasper told John and Rick to paddle us to the waterfall where we received a royal dunking.  MaryAnne turned to avoid the splash but we all took the hit.

We paddled fast and hard to give Rick and John the same “shower” in the falls.  

The BIGGIE!!!  We completely disappeared in the frothy white water and reemerged with everyone still in the raft.  Exhilarating! 

See!  We made it through to attack another waterfall and swim through currents.

More to come on our joyous journey through New Zealand.