February 9, 2025

Auckland Anniversary

We enjoyed a day away from the office to celebrate the Auckland Anniversary.

Viaduct Harbor hosted dragon boat races.

Notice the coxswain facing the rowers.  The coxswain uses the drum to coordinate the power and rhythm of the rowers.  I can't help but recalling descriptions from the book, Boys in the Boat.

This heat featured women.  I enjoyed the bright shirts and admired their strength.

We also watched the coed rowers compete.

Boat #2 leads as they enter the finish of the race.

The size of this yacht is difficult to grasp from the picture. 

The Chairmen.

Several Elders joined in assembling chairs for a newly acquired apartment to house a senior couple.  Most of our furnishings look the same as every other apartment.  The church must buy these items in bulk.  Regardless, the apartments are very nice, we live comfortably.

Browns Bay.  This beach quickly became one of our favorites.  The soft sand, blue water, and delicious ice cream just a few feet from the beach added to our decision.

A floating water park was in use the day we walked the beach.  Our grandkids and children would have loved this feature.

New Zealand celery.  Tall, TALL, TALL.  I cut 8 inches from the top to get the stalk into the refrigerator.  It’s quite fibrous and woody but I like to cook it with onions for added flavor.  It’s a nice raw snack also.

Pass-along cards for the Auckland Temple open house. Yes!!!  I love using these.  It’s an honor to be here for this event.  Everyone is curious about “that big building” so anyone gratefully takes the card.  I’ll use this particular discussion opener/attention grabber card until the last day of the open house.