Hullooo out there!

Nothing too much has been happening lately the weather has not been that great to be wandering around the city. In fact I haven't taken my camera with me for a couple weeks, but of course I do have some photos to share.

Saturday 25th August 2013

Yesterday we went and visited some demolition yards as I was looking for a wooden window and this is what I picked up.

Now interestingly this window has some history.

It is solid Rimu, and was originally from Hagley Hostel, the old Nurses Home in Christchurch, the building was demolished after the Christchurch Earthquake.

Can you guess what I am going to do with this window??

No? Then watch this space.

Today is feeling very spring like, and the flowers are blooming here at home.

Cup of Tea Flowers

Cherry Tree Blossom

We currently have freesia bulbs all the way up the driveway.
They are just starting to flower, it should look amazing when they are all in flower.

Kaka Beak

Malcolm has built a movable trellis and we have attached flower pots, we have planted Sweet Peas in the pot near the ground and hope they will wend their way up the trellis work, all going well this should look stunning.

Friday 23rd August 2013

Today was an atrocious day weather wise, foggy, cold and raining, nothing worse.
Below are some photos of boats at the Viaduct which I took walking to work this morning, you cannot see anything else that you normally would in these pictures as it was such a thick fog. The fog never cleared until after 9.30am.

If you look hard enough you can just make out the spire of the Sky Tower

Malcolm has been baking again, today we have a yummy Cheesecake.

Friday 9th August 2013

I had lunch with a friend today and we went to the
Marvel Grill at North Wharf, Wynyard Quarter.
I had Lamb Fillet on a bed of squashed peas, with roasted tomatoes and crispy onions, served in a baby skillet. (YUM)

Marvel Grill

Not exactly what I had (I didn't take a picture - duh),
but you can see the idea with the skillet.

There was also a bit of art work happening at the Viaduct in old painted up containers.
One container was showing the history of Auckland and how Auckland had changed, and the other was art work by local art students.

I was late leaving work today and missed my normal train, but what a beautiful night in the city. Below are photos taken looking from the Ferry Wharf towards the North Shore.

Ferry Terminal

Also because I was a bit late leaving tonight I managed to get a photo of the rainbow lights at Britomart Train Station, you usually cannot see these for all the people and trains.

The month that was...

July was a busy month, Mum and I organised a Surprise 60th Birthday for Malcolm which went off superbly, he had no idea. Also plenty of food was baked, bought and eaten this month.

So here we go..

Saturday 20th July 2013

Today we were served lunch by Otis Frizzell and his wife Sarah at The Lucky Taco on Ponsonby Road, OMG what amazing Tacos, this is what we had:
Braised Organic Pork shoulder with ginger and chilli, with spicy avocado cream, red cabbage, lime, coriander and toasted sesame seeds with a spicy sauce on the side!

Mmmmm...Taco

Otis and Sarah

 Tuesday 16th July 2013

Today is Malcolm's 60th birthday.  We are having a quiet day today as we had "The Party" on Saturday (see below).We went to Pah Homestead for lunch and to look at the art work. The art works varied from lights, sculptures, paintings and glass, if you have never been it is well worth a visit.

Pah Homestead

There were some amazing works by Terry Stringer for example this one below is called 'Michelangelo Creates Adam' this is one piece of work but when you look at it from different angles the work is all different, incredible.

...and how about this for lunch!!!

in case you are wondering its raspberry coulis in the syringe.

The weather is also quite spectacular today, below are a few photos of what is flowering in our garden.

Waxeye on the Kowhai tree

Early Cheer

Early Cheer

Kowhai

Polyanthus

Today was also Nikita's birthday, and she was 2.

Not looking happy

Saturday 13th July 2013

The Surprise Party

Mum and I had been working on this for weeks and now was the time to see if it was a surprise.

I had told Malcolm the day before I was taking him out for a 'birthday treat', and he had to be ready by 4.30pm. I got Brent to text me as we were leaving home to let me know how many people had arrived, however I told Malcolm there was a problem at the Avondale Lions Hall (this was the venue for the party and he also does maintenance here) and Mum needed his help before we carried on for his 'birthday treat'.

Even when he walked in and saw a couple of people he recognised he still didn't click he just thought that it was a coincidence and that they were at a function there that night.

After everyone yelled 'SURPRISE' he shook for most of the night as he couldn't believe it.

A great night was had by all, with Malcolm catching up with some people he hadn't seen for about 15 years.

Photo Boards

Decorations

The cake

The birthday boy

Tuesday 9th July 2013

 My train station Britomart also celebrated its birthday this week it was 10 years old, there were celebrations with music, balloons and cake.

Sunday 7th July 2013

Today we went to the Deep Creek Brewing Co. in Browns Bay for their Famous Old No.7 Jack Daniels BBQ Ribs, and here they are!!! 

HUGE and DELICIOUS!!!!

The brewery is behind the bar

and they have some amazing craft beers, with names like:

Pontoon in a Monsoon
(309) named after the 309 Road in the Coromandel
The Dusty Gringo (great with the ribs)
The Leprechaun's Belle
Basilica
Little Armoured One

A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Saturday 6th July 2013

The baking for today...Caramel Tart, soooo rich, decadent, FATTENING!!!