lion, buffalo, crocodile

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

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.

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

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

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?

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

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