Cool things that still exist

The oak tree planted from an acorn brought back by one of the Deans boys from Galipoli

The soldier that looks at the Bridge of Rememberance

The island that had the only mill in Christchurch when it was first settled... and in the early 1900s the Beautify Christchurch committee went and planted it with all kinds of flowering plans "from Home" as well as a rata and other NZ natives.

I stood here for a while today listening to the water and watching a very persistant little duck swim upstream to the island. There were lots of birds singing, and with the sound of the water I felt very peaceful. It is one of the best experiences I've had in ages. I know I'll go back here again soon as it was magical.

The only working gas lamp in the Southern Hemisphere (Nana used to point it out every time we went past it)

(for photos of the old library being propped up with 2 train containers go down a couple of posts... Nana and Grandad used to take us to this library - remember that Sam?? The current ('new') one has to come down. I don't feel bad about that at all because I loved the old one)

The A bomb tree...

Ah, so the bracing on the Provincial Chambers didn't hold up too well

oops, odd lighting.... not sure where that came from

This is why you can't run around on the footpaths anymore (still)

Yer, these pictures speak for themselves really....

Peace...

Christchurch cathedral (with it's stump) in the snow

Sam, in case you can't work it out... top right is the stump of the tower by the memorial statue. Look at the diggers just sitting there. And the library (go right on Colombo, then left onto Armagh St) is coming down. Sigh.

Dad is *never* off duty

Being the sweet angel that he is... Dad was outside at 6am in his shorts, tshirt and light shoes DIGGING HIS CAR OUT OF THE SNOW so he could get his fire boots and jacket (out of the boot) to help out at an emergency. He had to stay in town last night (at a hotel) and then this morning one of the other guests had a heart attack (at age 27!) and the Ambos needed help getting him into the ambulance etc due to all the snow. Then, DAD had to back the ambulance down the long hotel driveway for them.
He's quite the guy to have around really...
(Nana would be proud - but she wouldn't say anything because "he's just ordinary...")

Photos from 16 Aug 2011

I realise that most of you reading this will be thinking "it is a light dusting of snow... GET OVER IT!" but ... I can't! NZ is at a standstill because a corridor of cold air has come up from Antarticia and has covered the entire country in snow - shutting schools, business and all other services. We are all being told to stay home unless we have URGENT travel needs. Yesterday snow fell in Auckland - for the first time in 80 years. And it hasn't stopped yet, they predict we will get more snow today and tomorrow... So, Megane got up this morning and went outside as soon as it was light enough and took a few photos xxx

Our street - you can't see an earthquake crack anywhere! :)

Ummm, yer, our gate won't be shutting any time soon... And Dad, try not to feel bad about all your stuff that is in my garage making Dom's cars sit out in the cold... and the snow... (yes, mine is all snuggled up in the garage)

The recycle bins...

The clothesline (and the boy's Corner for the 5 months when we had no flushing toilet)

It's a "once in a lifetime polar blast"

No kidding, Mother Nature has struck again. I am snowed in... again. And not only that but AUCKLAND has snow!!! It is being recorded as a once in a lifetime, polar blast that will last all week. This is the first time in 80 years that they have had snow in Auckland.
We stocked up on food and petrol on Saturday, and so far we have not had our electricity cut.
I'll keep you posted
xx

What Kiwis would make off with....

You've got to admit this is funny.... there is a blog out there where someone is photoshopping in other items than what were actually stolen in England this week... and here is what he thinks Kiwis would be stealing :) Milk (for your Skippy cornflakes - probably because we are known for being broke while on an OE, and also having pretty un-fancy tastes...) or, ha ha ha ha ha, and Adidas rugby jersey! I guess you have to know that they have been charging DOUBLE the price here in NZ, *and* blocking us from buying them overseas and having them shipped here... It has been a PR nightmare for them this week. Personally, I won't be buying any of their merchandise in protest... And Colt will have to use one of Seb's old AB rugby jerseys.

So, what would Aussies be ripping off?