Monday, May 31, 2010

Day 151 It's been a busy day gardening

The dogs have been following the 'gardener' (My father) around today, and they are exhausted
But they are still alert!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Day 150 Mount Eden

We went for a walk around the top of Mount Eden. Great views to some of the other volcanoes in Auckland.
Here is the crater inside Mount Eden.
This is One Tree Hill

And this is Rangitoto

Friday, May 28, 2010

Day 148 This is what I do...

I was running one of those courses today that needed 3 computers, 3 projectors, 3... and of course an iPad!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Day 146 Yum Cha

I was invited to join some teachers at their local 'Yum Cha' restaurant today! It was very 'yum'!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Day 142 Wood Pigeon

Occasionally we have 'one' Wood Pigeon (Kereru) visit us.
The Kereru is native to New Zealand and is an endangered species (hence the furore that was caused by some international tourists recently).

Today we had SEVEN!!!
They are the most amazing bird, they are huge 51cms (20 inches) long. You know when they are flying over you as their wings move quite slowly and make a noise like a helicopter in slow motion (Whooshing). They swoop quite low and with their large wing span can be quite intimidating.

None of my shots of several of the Kereru in a group were very good, so this was the best of the lot.

Day 141 More leaves

Leaves at Favona!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Day 136 Autumn in Taupo

We drove down to Taupo in darkness on Friday night and in the light of the day on Saturday we were overwhelmed with the beauty of the Autumn colours. As we drove back to Auckland on the Sunday I was able to take photos of this remarkable scenery.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Day 135 A very expensive bottle of wine

Jim Barry's 'che Armagh' Shiraz is considered to be one of Australia's foremost wines...and we enjoyed it!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Day 134 Longlands in Hawkes Bay

Percy Pilcher is the owner of the 'Thresher'. My cousin's Great Grandfather is on the far left. This farm is still in his family.



Thursday, May 13, 2010

Day 133 Volcano Animation

Students having fun animating Volcanic Eruptions, rocks rolling down mountains, lava spreading and ash clouds rising. I love my job!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Day 132 Poppy Field

I saw this fantastic memorial to our ANZACs at Mountain View School today. The children participated in the painting of the poppies and each class had their own planting ceremony where they marched and planted one poppy per class. The 'Poppy Field' looks outstanding!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Day 131 School Walls

Every school has a mural of some sort on their walls. This is one example from 'The Gardens' school.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Day 130 Light on Leaves

The last of the autumn leaves are falling, this photo show the light on the leaves at the end of the day.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Day 129 The Dancers

It was my gorgeous niece's 21st party on Saturday night, this photo was taken 12.35 on the Sunday morning, she is dancing with her brother and having a wonderful time!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Friday, May 7, 2010

Day 127 Kaipara Flats

I worked with an ICT cluster at Kaipara Flats School today. After a great day went for a drive along Highway 16...Fantastic Views!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Day 126 Autumn Leaves and Art

I love Autumn leaves...the colours, the shapes, the textures and most of all the patterns!
An activity I like to do myself and if I can get a class of children for an afternoon or two is to take photos, upload to a Photo editing site such as BeFunky. Print out the photos and then use them as the motivation for a painting or some form of art work.




Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Day 125 Light and Shadows

Another stunning Autumn day here today. The bright light made amazing shadows.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Day 122 Shakespear Bay

It was a stunning day in Auckland today, in fact the whole country had fantastic weather. This photo is of Shakespear Bay in Whangaparaoa. In the distance you can see Rangitoto Island and yachts in the harbour.

Day 121 Buckland's Beach at night

We went out for a friend's birthday to a restaurant in Bucklands Beach. Here are the displayed wines.