The Week In-between

Christmas Day has been and gone, almost a week ago now – and we’ve eaten the gifts of fudge and chocolate!  Our Christmas Day started with our family tradition  breakfast of hot croissants filled with ham and cheese, followed by a pot of  coffee.  Then we joined friends Dot and Derek and son Brent for Christmas Lunch out at a local restaurant, The George.    With three lunch sittings, the place was heaving with people, most of them oldies out with grown children, it seemed, and some of the patrons looked so much older than us, we commented.

 

Christmas Lunch at The George

The food was certainly very tasty with plenty of variety, and I loved being able to choose delicious cooked salmon for my Christmas Lunch.  Robin decided on the more traditional beef, hot ham and roast chicken.  Finished off with Christmas Pudding and custard, so yummy.   I’m easily satisfied and didn't bother with the pavlova, fruit salad, or cheesecake.  Although dining out was very nice for a change, I think we prefer staying home and cooking up a fancy BBQ  - we will probably do that next year.  

And how about our very own Christmas Tree over the back fence?    Pohutukawa trees produces a brilliant display of red flowers made up of a mass of stamens, and is an important symbol for all New Zealanders. In Maori mythology, its flowers are said to represent the blood of a young warrior who perished while trying to avenge his father’s death. When Christian settlers arrived in New Zealand, the blossoming of this species’ bright red flowers in December and January inspired its alternative common name of the New Zealand Christmas tree.

Pohutukawa tree over the back fence

For a change, we decided to stay home between Christmas and New Year, and we are relishing the peace and quiet.  We felt quite smug watching the evening news on TV showing  long queues of cars trying to leave on their holiday trips.  Robin has done a couple of outside jobs, spraying Miss Muffet’s Revenge on the under side of  the Archgola with gay abandon .  Those spiders are very industrious so this may well take care of them for a while.  Then the canvas seats on the patio chairs got a good scrubbing, and were put out to dry.

Ad just what is my ironing board doing outside with it’s legs in the air?  It didn't take too kindly to being leaned on rather heavily and I seemed to have snapped the legs.  Once more, Robin came to the rescue and fixed it for me.

Doing odd jobs

New Year’s Eve will be a quiet affair at home this year, celebrating with a nice home cooked meal and a bottle of bubbly and something tasty for supper – that's all the excitement we need these days.  Once again, it will be good to stay off the busy roads.  Wonder if we will be able to stay awake till midnight?  It never used to be a problem when we were younger, we remember.

Brunch Time in Feilding, and catching up with Sis

Last Sunday we had a trip to Feilding – we were “doing Brunch” and exchanging Christmas gifts with daughter Nicky and her girls.  Meeting at Focal Point Café, we pondered the menu, and made our choices. 

Jenny, Robin, Megan, Nicky and Emma

With a table of mostly girls, there was plenty of chatter going on.  Such as Christmas tasks still to do, Christmas Day menus, time off from work.  As we told them, being retired, life is one long holiday!

Family  brunch in Feilding

Named after Colonel William Henry Adelbert Feilding, this is an interesting town with a rather handsome clock tower slap bang in the centre.   The Feilding clock tower once stood on the Post Office until that building had to be demolished following damage caused by a strong earthquake in 1942. Placed into storage, decades later it was finally restored and given a new home in the centre of the CBD in late 1999.   Feilding has won the annual New Zealand's Most Beautiful Town award 16 times. 

Feilding Clock Tower

The iconic Feilding Sale yards were established in 1880, when 100 head of cattle were sold.  In earlier times these sale yards were considered to be one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere with 489 pens covering 3.7 hectares.  Visitors can take a guided tour and learn the fascinating history of selling livestock, one of New Zealand's oldest traditions, and wander through the sheep pens to watch the auction process in action. Then take a seat in the state of the art cattle rostrum and view the latest computer technology on hand.  This tour is still on our “must do bucket list” – it’s just a matter of making a plan and booking ahead.

Feilding Sale yards

The Sale yards Silhouette, designed by Jackie William in 2002,  was funded by the Feilding Livestock Centre and the local community.  It commemorates the shepherd and drovers, together with their horses and dogs, who from 1876 mustered and drove the sheep and cattle to these sale yards.

Sale yards Silhouette

Last night Robin’s sister Kaye (from Nelson) came to stay before traveling up to Taupo.  The spare bedroom went through a bit of a transformation.  The fold up Murphy bed is a rather clever design, looking just like a free standing wardrobe.  Then it pulls down into a comfy double bed, just the thing for those short on space but still wanting to accommodate the occasional overnight guest. 

The Murphy bed

It was so nice to have Kaye come for an overnight visit.  Living down in the South Island we don't see a lot of her, so we had a great catch-up.  And she brought gifts, flowers for me and a bottle of wine for Robin.  Our cat Gemma was rather taken with Kaye – I mentioned that she should feel honoured, as Gemma has been known to be rather stand offish to visitors before, and not want to have anything to do with them.

Kaye and Robin

SLG Get-Together

Our December get-together with our Super Leisure Group friends was Robin’s to organise.  With being away for the previous three weeks, he hastily made a booking for lunch, choosing to dine at Paraparaumu.  About halfway for us all, we drove down from Levin, and the others drove up from the Hutt Valley. 

Although Paraparumu is about 45km from home, we left bright and early, allowing extra time for heavy pre-Christmas traffic and the never ending road works.  And wouldn't you know, we were so early we decided to venture into the Mall to fill in some time.  Malls are not our favourite place to be, but this one has a real attraction, Butlers Chocolate Café.  What would be nicer while we wait than a cup of Hot Chocolate, served with a complimentary chocolate of our choice.  Butlers Chocolates began life in Dublin's Lad Lane in 1932. The company was founded by a pioneering woman called Marion Butler who named her luxury chocolate creations Chez Nous Chocolates. Marion established the company in the heart of fashionable Georgian Dublin, making her delicious confections by hand.

Butlers Café

As we enjoyed our morning indulgence, we watched as a steady stream of people came and went from this establishment.  Butlers really is a popular café, and the locals at the table next to us confided that they like to support local business and come each week for their chocolate fix!

Time for a hot chocolate

With lunch time approaching, we made our way to Breakers Restaurant to meet our friends.  We reminisced how we had dined here for Christmas Lunch with friends Graeme and Katherine some years ago when the restaurant was a Cobb and Co.  But now it is part of the Breakers chain, decorated with a sun shine and surfing theme.

Breakers, Paraparaumu

It was nice to welcome everyone again, catch up on news, and begin the task of “what to have for lunch”.  Orders ranged from fish, pork belly, hamburgers and steak.

Lunch at Breakers

The meals were very nice, and several decided they still had room a little room for dessert.  Just look what Ashley ordered, a “Double Donut Sundae” – we were all interested to see what it actually was!  Ashley was not deterred at all by this large dessert,  and he ate every bite. 

Ashley’s Double Donut Sundae

After our leisurely lunch, and tea/coffee we wished each other well for the Christmas break and headed on our way back home.  So nice to catch up with our SLG friends again.

Food, glorious food

It’s been a busy old time lately with the build up to Christmas.  We enjoyed two consecutive dinners out last week.  On Thursday evening the Rangeview Ladies Luncheon Group went out for a pre-Christmas Dinner, taking our husbands with us.  Then the following evening the Menz Shed members had another dinner, and invited their wives.  Both were very tasty meals, most enjoyable, but for whatever reason, no photos were taken.  And on Sunday mornings we always enjoy a tasty bacon and egg breakfast, cooked by Robin.  Usually at this time of the year, we can purchase Free Range double yolker eggs from the local supplier.

Now the temperatures are warming up, it’s time for the occasional BBQ meal.  Our latest one was a small rolled pork and roast potatoes and kumera cooked on the Weber, so delicious and it smelt wonderful too.  While Robin was in charge outside, I was cooking up extra veggies on the stove top.

BBQ time

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but just to remind you, the Horowhenua area where we live is full of market gardens.  Shirley’s Strawberries is a favourite of ours, and during the season we often call in to replenish supplies.  As well as being freshly picked and delicious, they are very reasonably priced too.

Yummy local strawberries

Another favourite place to visit is Lewis Farm, not too far from us,  which grows asparagus.  The season is in full swing and the factory is full of seasonal workers.

Asparagus everywhere

Lewis Farms also grow strawberries, and make their own ice-cream.  They are branching out into raspberries, we discovered, so we will have to watch out for them when they are harvested.  Robin sat outside at the picnic tables and  ate his strawberry ice-cream with gusto during our visit, while I had a freshly brewed coffee.

Coffee at the Asparagus Farm

And on the menu for dinner tonight is Asparagus Quiche using some of that freshly picked asparagus, and blackberry crumble.  Sounds good to me, and I don’t think we will be going hungry.

Christmas Rally at Rangiotu

Our caravan club Christmas Rally was held in the grounds of Rangiotu School, which was closed in 1996.  The area was known for many years as Oroua Bridge, but officially renamed Rangiotu in honour of the local Rangitane chief Hoani Meihana Te Rangiotu.  Strong winds were moving the pine trees around, and we watched and commented just how far those tree trunks were swaying without snapping off.

A bunch of happy campers at Rangiotu

Morning teas and 4zees were held outside, huddled in the shelter between two vans as we tried to keep out of the wind.  As usual, the men gathered for a catch up and a bit of male bonding, nothing wrong with that at all.

Robin, Pat, Owen, Don, and Dennis

And then I caught Geoff and Robin down on the ground as they peered under the back of our van.  Goodness knows what that was all about!

What's happening here, I wonder?

There was a DIY evening meal planned for Saturday evening in the small hall.  A coupe of us decided to BBQ in the rain, luckily the awnings kept us dry.  Our meal was a little bit fancy, this was the first time we had cooked rack of lamb on the Weber.

Rack of lamb and roast potatoes

We called around to see what Owen was up to, he was cooking for four on his BBQ.  Doesn’t he look great in his Merry Christmas BBQ apron?  And you can just see a little of his flash new shirt, purchased at the Beach Hop and covered in cars.

Owen at his BBQ

In the hall the tables were pushed together to make one long one, with decorations down the middle to make it festive, and a Christmas tree twinkling in the corner.  We all ate our meals together, drank a glass or two of wine or bubbly, and finished our meal with a dessert of strawberries and ice-cream, supplied by the club.

On Sunday morning we enjoyed a Christmas Mince Pie for morning tea, followed by a dish of the remaining strawberries and ice-cream, then all packed up and went on our homeward journey.  Many thanks to the committee, and especially Barry and Dianne for a wonderful Christmas rally.  See you all next year!!

Summer has Arrived

The 1st of  December was officially the first day of Summer, but who would have known.  We were driving 170kms over the Napier-Taupo Road, it was cold and miserable, the wind was blowing a gale, low clouds and mist made it hard to see and the temperatures dropped to 8 degrees.  I don’t like this road at the best of times, up and down all the way, and in these conditions it was not a fun trip at all. We were both pleased when it was over.

Another day later here in Hastings it’s like being in a different world altogether.  We wanted to plug into power after all the bad weather we had in the previous few days  so are staying at the Hawkes Bay Golf Club, many thanks to our caravan club friends recommending this place.  

The golf course looks very well cared for, and we were made very welcome when we went to pay our fees for staying here.  In fact we were advised that the club restaurant is open on the next few nights when twilight golf is in session and is open to campers as well.  We just might have to try it out before we leave.  Robin used to be a golf player in an earlier life so would appreciate these surroundings.  

Hawkes Bay Golf Club

Hawkes Bay is touted as the “Fruit Bowl of New Zealand” and what says Summer more than beautiful red cherries!  We stopped at a road side stall to get some cherries, and lovely looking peaches too. Don’t they look delicious.

Summer fruit time

While here in Hastings we are catching up with family.  I wanted to see my sister Kathleen as she is scheduled to have surgery just prior to Christmas.  Then we met up with my niece Lisa and her family for a meal out at Breakers restaurant. 

Catching up with family at Hastings

In the evening the sky turned a glorious shade – such a wonderful sunset.  A wonderful finish to a great day.

Just look at that sky

The following morning was spent at the local laundromat  - we needed to get the washing up to date as when we leave here we are not going home, but spending the weekend at a caravan club rally.  While we waited patiently for the machines to finish the cycle, we watched a young family arrive.  Mum, Dad, four children,  a new baby, and a tiny 3 month old puppy (no lead) running every which way, even out on the road at one stage.  I thought to myself that the young Mum perhaps should have left the family and dog home with Dad, and gone to do the laundry on her own enjoying some “time out” by herself  for a while.

And it was “dining out” on our last evening here at Hawkes Bay Golf Club.  With Twilight Golf in full swing, Cuzzy’s Café was open for business for those who had a hit around the golf course.  And others too, like us campers who are staying here.  Robin enjoyed his big burger, chock full of all the good stuff such as beetroot, bacon and egg, juicy beef patty and salad greens.  My chicken dinner was very tasty too, just loved the veggies in cheese sauce.

Dining at Cuzzy’s Café

We will be moving on in the morning, heading southwards  to catch up with our caravan club buddies at Rangiotu for our Christmas Rally.  Should be a good one, and we are looking forward to it.

Driving Creek Railway and Potteries

Right at the top of our “must see” list during our short stay in Coromandel was a visit to Driving Creek Railway.  Two reasons for this – one was to catch up with our friend Frederick who is now working there, and secondly, to have another ride on the famous little train.  Last time we were here, about 25 years ago we reckon, the train tracks only went part way up the hill, and now go to the top.  It was great to meet up again with Frederick, after all, it’s been quite some time, and catch up with his news.  He is a potter himself, and gave us a quick guided tour of the pottery and kilns. 

Frederick at DCR

If we had stopped to think what the name “Driving Creek” actually meant, I’m sure we wouldn’t have worked it out.  It refers to the early days of kauri logging, much prized by the British Navy as masts and spars.  The loggers built dams across the creeks which slowly filled up, and the felled logs were placed in the dams or in the dry creek bed below.  When the dam was full, a rope was pulled, releasing a large wooden gate, and the water drove the logs down to the harbour.  So ingenious, but this practice also carried much silt and debris down too, causing them to start to silt up.

Potter Barry Brickell purchased 24 hectares of hilly scrub covered land in the 1970s, which just happened to have plenty of clay needed for his pottery.  The idea of the railway came about to transport the clay down the hill, plus pine to fuel the kilns, but has come into it’s own as a tourist attraction.  The narrow gauge railway winds up through the hills, with steep grades, curves, tunnels and viaducts.  As New Zealand’s only narrow gauge railway the track also has zig-zag sections for gaining altitude within a limited space.  All the trains have been purpose built in the workshop to Barry’s designs.

The following morning it was “all aboard” and off we went on our adventure.  The scrub covered hills have been replanted over the years with native trees, tree ferns, kauri, totara and rimu much in evidence.  The story goes that Barry swapped large quantities of  his famous home brew for thousands of young trees, with are thriving on the hills.

All aboard

The famous “bottle banks” made from wine and beer bottles held up the dirt walls, but were so hard to get a good photo as we chugged past.  But take our word for it, there were thousands and thousands of empty bottles used in this project.  Quirky pieces of pottery were placed beside the track, some small, and some quite large.

We chugged over the viaducts, through several tunnels, reversed into the switchbacks, stopped while the driver jumped down to change the points, and climbed ever higher.  One last tunnel, and what a beauty it was.

The final tunnel

Our destination, Eyeful Tower perched on top of the hill.

The view from the top was amazing.  The bush clad hills were covered in flowering manuka, ferns and native trees, hard to imagine this was once scrubby farmland, with the coastline in the distance..

 

View from the top

This wonderful area is protected in perpetuity by a QE11 Trust Covenant.  Barry Brickell died in 2016 at age 80, and is buried on his property.  He truly was a man of vision, combining his love of art, conservation and engineering.