Treehouse Dwellers

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

2008-12-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

Love from Fiona and Beverly

My Pictab

2008-11-02T16:52:00.001-08:00

Florentine Feast

2008-09-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Florentine Steaks - 1kg each Buffaloo Mozerella
Calamari
Incredibly expensive fresh fruit with deep fried pastry!
Porcini Mushrooms
It's all about atmosphere and good wine.

And a good steak to get your teeth into.

And all this in a Tuscan Home!

Florentine Market

2008-09-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

$50 Euro at a market extravaganza! Our choice of anything to create the Tuscan feast of the century (for us anyway). The colours, sights, smells - and the smatterings of italian... what could we create?

Fruit Salad Magic Mushrooms - not quite but there seemed to be a magic quality about them.
A dedication to Olives
You name it - you can eat it!
Dry anything and have a feast.

Check out the sights of Florence and surrounding buildings, valleys, and community.

Details of Florence

2008-09-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Duomo

Florence Market

A Home in Tuscany

2008-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

My space in a Tuscan Home

panarama - Florence

2008-09-26T23:54:00.000-07:00

I will find the picture of the stairs that had to be climbed to capture this view... even Mathew thought it was worth the effort.

A Room with a View

2008-09-26T04:17:00.001-07:00

Tuscan houses are made of brick, stone and huge beams of wood that traverses the ceiling tops. Small windows help to keep the house cool in the Tuscan sun. Shutters across the windows at night keep the warmth in, and the room remains dark as dark can be. The stairs leading up to our rooms seemed to be carved out of stone and narrow steal banisters held firm in the plaster covered walls. It seems dark from the photos, however the sun found it's way inside and added an amazing hue to the cool atmosphere. Grapes hung from the shed trellis, and could be picked and eaten at leisure. Ana and I would walk the 800m down to the goats, and wandered back up past the vineyards, clear stream, and stoney paths. A goose feather douvet ensured a cosey, warm and appreciated sleep.

Art, Food, Fashion - Italy

2008-09-22T23:01:00.000-07:00

The last three days have been overflowing with Art, Food and a little fashion - This is Italy. The sun has been shining, and the food and chianti taking up most of our moments. Unfortunately my sister's computer won't read my memory stick so you will have to wait a day or two to see the evidence.

Mathew, Rachael and I spent Sunday in Florence. They had talked about going to the market, walking past the Duomo, and finding a couple of their favourite shops.

The markets - oh wow. First its the smell of leather - fine, soft, stylish leather adorning the stalls to the left and the right. Then the food market - the colour and the size of the vegetables, the fruit overflowing from the stalls. Photos can only begin to describe... alas you will have to wait. Then the meat stalls. If they don't put you off meat then they will at least intrigue. You definitely know where your meat comes from if you buy it from this market. The body of the animal is prepared for consumption, and the rest of it is left as attached with feathers, fur, claws!!!

We had decided that today, instead of hanging out in a Pizzeria, I will pay for a feast - bought at the Florence food market and cooked by my brother-in-law. Thus far he has rolled out the pizza's, stewed Goulash, and seared Florentine steaks. So tonight our feast, including deep-fried stuffed zucchini flowers... will be out of this world. Will blog about it when I have recovered!

Later that day in Florence, Mathew said - "the Duomo is around the corner". I had thought it a landmark we needed to pass to get to the resturant. The size, the size of it alone overwhelms your view. The square opens up, and then its all Duomo. And then the detail. Every creavas adorned with marble statues or sculpture.

In the meadows of Tuscany

2008-09-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Out in the meadows - beyond the house - a treehouse stands amoungst the foliage. Today it was time to fix the roof. Mathew and I went ambling across the feilds in search for the perfect branches - Ana in tow. The desired branch is one that has many sticks and few leaves - we liked the leaves. We snipped a bundle and carried it back to the hut - Ana in tow. Mathew skillfully climbed the swinging ladder. I gave it a bash - and for Ana we found a more stable climbing frame. Together we climbed carefully until we were on top of the world and looking out over the meadows of Tuscany.

In Reality

2008-09-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

Who would choose to have a job, house, and life in one spot...? Traveling in Italy - Niente di meglio

Oh My Goodness

2008-09-21T08:52:00.001-07:00

Life is great!

"A toast to Pizza"

2008-09-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

Our first evening meal in Tuscany was Gulasch with bread dumplings, with Chianti on the side. Our next evening meal - Mathew's Dad prepared the dough and we spent the evening flattening, rolling, cutting, sprinkling our own personalised pizzas. Then they were gathered up and shoved into the pizza oven. Bottles and glasses of Chianti graced the dining table in the middle of this Tuscan villa, as pizza after pizza passed over our plates. We were even priviledged to have the youngest pizza chef create a Calzone to share. Mathew raised his glass as we began our feast "A toast to Pizza" - how appropriate. His little sister raised her glass and we all clinked glasses. A toast to pizza in this tuscan villa surrounded by family.

Canaling the Thames

2008-09-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Well after many days skyping my sister in Tuscany, after the rest of my extended family joined together in June for a Tuscan family reunion without me, after my eldest sister taught her youngest neice to blow kisses via the internet to me in NZ, after many discussions about celebrating my fathers' 70th in the UK or Tuscany, after my hair dresser said I was mad to not take the plunge - I finally booked a ticket to the UK and Tuscany!!

On the 13th of September, 2008, my eldest sister picked me up from a traumatic flight, and drove me to Goring - the place my father had moored his canal boat. When I knocked on the door of my father's canal boat, he opened the door - stunned. He did not know where he was, who I was, what I was doing there, and as he said later - his jaw fell into the thames and floated away. The surpise birthday present had worked its charm.

I spen the first week of my overseas holiday battling the strong current of the Thames with my parents in their canal boat. It was not the experience I or they had hoped I would one day have in their canal boat, but what I did have I loved. Canaling is me! Mooring one evening, after challenging the 'red boards' and motoring up the thames against the strong current, on the edge of the meadow with the cows munching the grass along the misty bank, I felt like I was in heaven. I awoke early the following morning, camera in hand, and shot the scene.

My extended family's adventures

2008-09-05T01:55:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time since I blogged. I guess not much happening in the home life at present - yet. However we have been able to live vicariously through my nephew's and sister's blog as they have ventured to the other side of the world for at least 6months. They, with hubby and baby sister, have rented a Tuscan Villa for 6months before seeking their fortune in the UK for a year or so (or depending on the next plan). Check out their blogs - Mathew has a great writing style and is keeping a very memorable diary of his adventures.

Storm Front

2008-07-26T02:44:00.000-07:00

Well - it was deemed the storm of the decade with disastrous south easterly winds and torrential rain. We were told to prepare for a battering and to ensure that we had our survival kits ready. Civil Defense rolled into action, ready for what might eventuate.

Having said that Fiona went into town for a workshop - only to be evacuated and told to go home at lunch time. Being high tide, Fiona still ventured homeward past the narrow ridges next to the rising sea. Fortunately she made it home in one piece. through out the early afternoon we had raincoats and boots handy as we rushed outside and rescued items that flew off our decks. Then a lull. What better time to get into the car and go and see the storms destruction and fury. We drove to Ocean Beach (we didn't take your car Dad - just in case). Wow!! Actually it wasn't as bad as we had anticipated. The harbour appeared ominously calm. Drains had morphed into rivers and whirl pools as they approached drains. Only when we turned onto the Ocean Beach straight did the extent of the storm begin to show its impact with a couple of enormous trees partially blocking the road. We were unperturbed - we wanted to see the waves. Ocean Beach did not disappoint!

Having said all that - on a west facing property the storm did not deliver the excitement that perhaps others enjoyed!

Pizza Making

2008-07-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Fiona, Tayla, Justin and I were inspired by my nephew's blog. Living in Italy for 6 months, Mathew is becoming an expert chef, making pizza's in a genuine pizza oven.. he is also creating other culinary delights which you can check out on his blog My Tuscany OE.

As a result of reading Mathew's Blog, we decided to give pizza making a go. We did not have a pizza oven but decided to make our pizza as authentic as possible. We followed Jamie Oliver's Pizza Dough recipe. A granite kitchen bench definitely helped!

We sieved the flour onto the bench.
We mixed the other ingredients in a jug - water, oil, sugar and yeast. We then made a well in our flour and slowly poured in the water mixture. Justin and Tayla then began to mix the liquid into the flour - determined not to let the flour wall cave in - they had to work hard. Little by little the mixture became thicker and tackier - then we would add more of the water and mix mix mix. Eventually the wall had to cave and mix in with the rest of the mixture.
When the fork was not longer useful, Tayla and Justin rolled up their sleeves and began to knead. They practiced, added flour, kneaded, rolled and turned the dough. There was flour all over the bench and we decided to enjoy the mess and just stay at it until the dough was ready to roll into bowls.
The bowls were placed next to the fire to rise.

Unfortunately the whole process took longer than we had imagined so decided to eat it for brunch the next day instead of dinner that night.

The next morning the dough was twice its size and ready to knock back and roll into balls.
Another enjoyable time with flour and dough then rolling the dough into flat pizza shapes.
Most of the morning was spent chopping ingredients for the top of our pizza.
Keira joined in as well - an expert at chopping with a very sharp knife (only a little nick in her finger which she recovered from and continued to chop).

What awesome pizza's we had for dinner. Next time we felt we might need more cheese on our pizza's and more tomato base. Any advice welcome to make a pizza more moist. The base was great, the topping tasty, the experience - priceless!

winter solstice

2008-06-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

It is officially the middle of winter - and here I am sitting in the lounge this relaxing Sunday morning - in my summer pjs!
What a wonderfully warm winter this has been albeit a bit wet - but not enough to keep the hydro dams full. So all in all - a very pleasant winter.

The sad part of this year was the departure of Rachael, Ralph, Mathew and Ana to Italy for their year plus adventure. I miss them all heaps but technology today keeps us in contact with Skype chat and video discussions. Their blogs are also worth a read (see in right hand panel).

For those remaining in the southern hemisphere, this winter solstice brought a beautiful sunny saturday. Fiona and I took a wonderful walk along the coastal cliffs with my parents. The jackets were a precaution against the black clouds on the horizon - and ofcourse because we wore them the sun remained shining.

Tribute to Shelly

2008-05-21T03:13:00.000-07:00

I can’t remember our first meeting – I feel like I have known her all my life. And yet after attending her funeral I realise I probably knew just a slice. We met online – which is where she seemed to live her life in the last few years. Here she could reach out to people, chat to them, encourage them, laugh with them. She wasn’t afraid to tell her story – she was proud of her story but never boasted. At her funeral they said she stole 46years of life - it wasn't an easy steal. Her mother had been told she wouldn’t reach her second birthday – but she fought for all 46 of them. She missed out on many opportunities offered to the children born today with congenital heart conditions such as hers. It is easy to say she was born with a hole in her heart – and yet it was so much more than that. Shelly was born with Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia.

“Tetralogy of Fallot has four key features. A ventricular septal defect (a hole between the ventricles) and many levels of obstruction from the right ventricle to the lungs (pulmonary stenosis) are the most important.”

Despite all this Shelly’s life was not about her physical heart. Today I learnt that she had a passion for music – especially the old stuff. I think everyone knew about her passion for the All Blacks. In fact, in lieu of flowers I wondered if we should make a donation to Heart Children, or the All Blacks!!! I know which one Shelly would choose! And Shelly was an avid Labour Party supporter with a direct link to Helen Clark via her personal email. Shelly made an impact on, it seems, everyone she met. And even Helen emailed of her sadness on hearing of Shelly’s passing.

Shelly and I began a support group for Adults with Congenital Heart conditions (out of date website now). We worked on a website, provided information, and made ourselves available for people to email. We had a small response. But in the end our dedication to this site dwindled. We had found our support group in each other. We met for coffee on and off in the early days, visited each other in hospital when able to do so, and emailed about our down patches and our recoveries. We had wider support networks – both with loving families and friends – but we offered each other something different. We just had to say – “Well…. Yeah… you know!” and we did.

Shelly – I’m going to miss our support group. You fought hard and you fought long. I will keep you close and remember. I hope I will be able to take on a little of your strength - the strength you showed the world – the strength you showed me – and ….. well….. you know! RIP or even better without the restrictions go enjoy a marathon or a game of rugby!

41 Question - Personality test

2008-04-20T02:13:00.000-07:00

As a result of a discussion on BlogCatalog, Fiona and I took a Myers-Briggs/Jung personality test. Interestingly (but not too surprisingly) we both came out as personality type 1 - but with slightly differing descriptions.

Beverly
Quiet, reflective and idealistic. Interested in serving humanity. Well-developed value system, which they strive to live in accordance with. Extremely loyal. Adaptable and laid-back unless a strongly-held value is threatened. Usually talented writers. Mentally quick and able to see possibilities. Interested in understanding and helping people.

Careers that could fit you include:
Writers, artists, counselors, social workers, English teachers, fine arts teachers, child care workers, clergy, missionaries, psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, political activists, editors, education consultants, journalists, religious educators, social scientists.

Fiona
Serious and quiet, interested in security and peaceful living. Extremely thorough, responsible and dependable. Well-developed powers of concentration. Usually interested in supporting and promoting traditions and establishments. Well-organized and hard working, they work steadily towards identified goals. They can usually accomplish any task once they have set their mind to it.

Careers that could fit you include:
Business executives, administrators and managers, accountants, police, detectives, judges, lawyers, medical doctors, dentists, computer programmers, systems analysts, computer specialists, auditors, electricians, math teachers, mechanical engineers, steelworkers, technicians

lion, buffalo, crocodile

2008-04-07T03:03:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful evening with my parents and aunt and uncle - the later who are here in NZ for a 10day holiday. We enjoyed champagne on the deck followed by a meal of fresh fish and salad compliments of Fiona's exquisite cooking. We enjoyed a Bailey's coffee in the evening along with entertainment from YouTube. It was great to share the different movies we have all explored on YouTube. We shared the Honda add and PaulPotts, while Janette and John shared the treadmill movie and the "lion, buffalo and crocodile" YouTube extravaganza - as seen below. This was not filmed by us - but found on YouTube - as one does - and well worth a watch.

Film photography and BlogCatalog

2008-02-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying my discussions on BlogCatalog. Most of the discussions I become involved in are to do with photography and photoblogs (see my 2 photoblogs 'Silverspikes' and 'A Photo from Tomorrow'.

A recent discussion arose about Film photography verses Digital photography (yes there are still people who pine for film). Thought I would share my memories and thoughts here too....

I remember my first day working in the Hospital Photographic Lab at Greenlane Hospital in 1990. I was launching my career as a photographer (as it turned out I went into computers instead and then packed it all in for a job with children - much more rewarding). It was my first day on the job and Darren (chief photographer) showed me how to develop film - which I mostly knew. My first task as a REAL photographer was to develop the film for the day. I was given a White hospital coat (looked so cool - if a little long [dont laugh!]) and sent into the dark room. It was so exciting. I was soooooo proud of myself. I went home beaming! A job well done. I was all set to step forward with confidence and delve right back into the dark room the next day. I strode into the Lad happy as larry until I took my White Coat off it's hook!!! You photographers guest it - brown (Developing) stains ALL over. It looked like I had swum in the stuff!!!

I did go on to enjoy my days in the dark room and have considered setting up a small dark room on our new property. Maybe I should purchase black coat though!! lol.
As for Digital verses Film - the dark room has memories - but right now I love just grabbing a shot and not having to worry about expense. Check out my photoblogs if you like...

Christmas in our coastal country home.

2007-12-27T01:47:00.000-08:00

It was great to spend Christmas in our own - new - home this year. Mum and Dad joined us for the day and we had a wonderful, different, joyful time together. We thought a turkey would be much for four people - so we were offered a goose from a friends lifestyle block. Other friends offered to prepare it for us. It was different, but an honest way to prepare a Christmas meal - and we decided to go for it. Cooking Goose was a challenge and the internet by my side helped in the process. It turned our rather well and was quite juicy with a bit of a bite! Fiona cooked a half side of Salmon which was scrumptious. Fiona's Christmas cake has now become legendary in the Whangarei Heads. Mum supplied the Ham and the Hibiscus Champagne drink. Dad carved and gave advice on the Goose. The ipod provided endless christmas music. Unfortunately it rained - but the house was still enjoyable and a wonderful home to share. Check out the mood...

Work Bash - Helicopter Ride

2007-12-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

Manaia Kindergarten had their annual end of year party at Headlands Farm Park beach. There was much debate about whether Santa would visit - in the end Tania and I were sent to help out. This meant we had to fly in on our 'sleigh' - and thanks to Dave Blakely a helicopter was brought in for the job. The first time on a helicopter. I waited for the moment to become nervous - but Dave was great - telling us every step of the process and not a nervous moment entered our psyche. It was an awesome experience and we flew around Whangarei Harbour - over the Kindergarten and School, across the Nook to Mt Manaia - hovering over my house. Fiona was inside with the music up loud and didn't manage to look up at the appropriate time - but the veiw from where I sat was amazing. Then off to the party and the kindergarten crowds. It was a great party too. Thanks to Dave for an awesome experience!

Birthday Retreat

2007-10-28T01:40:00.001-07:00

Fiona and I had a magical time away in the Hokianga. We began our four day retreat- horse riding in Whananaki with Stewart. Stewart and his horses were great. The four hour ride through the river along the beach and through the forest was full of adventure. I'm keen to become more confident around horses though Chaquitta Banana provided me with some challenges, eventually I found it in me to ensure I had some of the control. Fiona's horse was called Chicko and he was a real gentleman. It has been over 20years since Fiona rode horses to school - she looked like a pro!! It is great that Stewart's horses are not the kind that plod nose to tail but will walk alongside eachother and you and your horse can have as much or as little excitement as you wish. The setting was magical. We also enjoyed Stewarts company and accepted an invitation to dinner for the evening. It was a great surprise to find Lobster on the menu.
The next day Fiona and I drove to Mimiwhangata - stunning! There are also cottages you can hire which we will find out about some other time.
Our final destination was Pickering Cottage in Rawene. A rustic, charming seaside bach - flooded with sunlight in the afternoon. An inside toilet would cost around $200, a shower $150, a simple life experience - priceless!! We enjoyed doing nothing - except a meander through the village, a walk along the broadwalk in the mangroves, and pleanty of magazines and sundowners. Here are some the the memories in slideshow format...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Jupiter and Mars?

2007-08-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

We were told we would be able to see Jupiter during the eclipse but I didn't see it with my naked eye or while bent double looking through the zoom from the bath (see pics below). After making the movie (see below) I reviewed my many photos and found two with these dots - Jupiter and Mars? (might need to clean your screen - they are as big as dust spots).

BUT Hang On!!!... It can't be Jupiter or Mars INFRONT of the moon!!!!! - Can it?

Fiona At Work

2007-08-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

Oh the glitz and the glamor. Fiona hard at work with 'Donny', as - the Game Show Host.....

Eclipse of the Moon

2007-08-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a great sight. We were lucky to have the clouds scatter long enough to watch this spectacular event. I should have read the article in the DPhoto magazine in more depth - but I really thought it was going to be cloudy. So I shot from the hip with a dodgy tripod - from inside the bath!!!! Fiona and I spent time outside in the howling gale to also just enjoy the event (I have a habit of enjoying events through the eye of a camera - not always a good idea). Anyway here's what we saw...

Out of Storage

2007-06-27T01:12:00.001-07:00

Animals of Africa

2007-02-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Our journey through Kruger National Park was an absolute highlight. The animals of africa are awe inspiring. This is a country of it's own, the size of Wales - "Where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sights – this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. " (http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/)

The Sentinel - South Africa

2007-02-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a long time coming but here is a collection of our experiences from our trip to South Africa. We kick off first with our climb up the Sentinel. The Sentinel is part of the spectacular Drakensberg escarpment. This hike took us 3000m above sea level and was estimated to take 5hrs from the carpark. We started with a 12km zigzag UP the mountain 'meadows' and then came to the shear rock face. Check out the chain-ladders we had to climb - stretching 40m vertically! Once we had overcome our fears and had our feet back on stable land - we wandered another half hour across the top of the mountain to the awesome amphitheater, waterfall and rock pools. By this time the cold mist had cleared and we were able to marvel at the spectacular views, mountain flora and fauna, and enjoy the feeling of having conquered the Sentinel.

Building - Final

2006-12-09T23:50:00.000-08:00

And so the dream took shape, the windows became the eyes and the people are the soul.

Building - Part 2

2006-10-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

The painting, the rain and the building continue...
Check out the finale - Part 3

Buildling our Dream - Part 1

2006-09-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Here - with the music and photos is how the dream began to unfold...
Check out Part 2

Finding our niche

2006-07-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

We started off together and that made it all seem possible. For just three years from the darkness of our rental flat we explored the bays of the Whangarei Heads and the slopes of Mt Manaia. First there was the potential backpackers villa. The ancient home with rambling corridors and large rooms looked out over 2 acres and a bubbling brook. The acres had gorse, and the kauri walls needed stripping, but that could be conquered for an extra $100,000. Then there was the villa in town - beautifully restored and easily accessible. The quarter acre, traffic at the door, and neighbours to peer - were unrectifiable. We had a dream...
The RealEstate agent asked us to verbalise our ultimate dream. This is was our dream....
5-10 acres, indigenous established trees, and hey - lets chuck in a view of the sea. For a dream you can make a sacrifice - so when she took us to our ultimate aspirations - sacrifices had to be made. Unfortunately, even at the limit of our budget, it did not come with a house - but that was solvable - one day - eventually - if we gave it our all.

Falling in Love

2006-06-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Falling in love with the Whangarei Heads - New Zealand...

In 2000 we took a romantic drive along a newly discovered track. Our instructors (family) had advised us of a 'nice drive' - so off we went at 7pm. We drove through the small city, over a non descript bridge, traversed the mangroves on tarseal, and chanced upon an unexciting suburb until we found the sign "Whangarei Heads". It was yet another non descript intersection and we wandered if we would really see more than mudflats and mangroves. As a product of the big city (Auckland), with my new love from overseas, I was hoping for adventure, but doubted we would find it here.

We wound down the hill passing more mangroves as we reached the waters edge. We scooted around corners and through a seaside village. The shabby houses seemed to be right beside the lapping waves - a rustic tranquility that we were unable to motor towards. The road swept us further. The specks of mudflats were fast disappearing under a glass of sunset water. The dusk blue sky had begun to show it's evening blush, and the ripples in the harbour began to catch the mood as our car continued to pull us into the spell. By the time we had reached the carpark at Tamatirau our gentle whispers had become a rush of excited babble as our dreams took shape in this hypnotic setting. We were not a quarter of the way towards our current residential address - but our adventure had begun! Together we planned to dream a home that would nurture our creativity, demand relaxation, and inspire our life. In a hidden place like the Whangarei Heads, we knew that was all possible.

just need a pic online

2006-02-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

Not sure if my HTML is correct or how I can do this more easily - but if it works this way you will see why this pic is here when you visit my latest blog Anecdotes