Finally, a break from the washing to report on the fantastic Birthday weekend that Dan and the girls treated me to. We sailed on the Interislander to Picton on Friday and had a wonderful calm and sunny crossing. The beauty of the Marlborough Sounds never fails to impress. I have particularly fond memories of this […]
Author: BritMumInNZ
Watching the Tide
Monday morning, Sophie and I spent a magic couple of ours really living in the moment at Lyall Bay Beach. Since then the rain has barely stopped all week. We spent this morning at the airport watching the comings and goings – I always love the body filling raft of emotions and excitement I feel […]
Such a tragedy: Nature can be so cruel
I feel cold to the core when I think of the tragic death of the beautiful young people and their heroic teacher in the flash flood in Tongariro National Park this week. These amazing people, united through their love of nature, felt the cruel hand it can also deal. My heart goes out to the […]
Which one is a tomato sauce fanatic?
We were at the Zoo the other afternoon and when I went to order hot chips (how else do you have them?!) I asked for one with copious tomato sauce and the other without. The lady said, “I can guess which one is the tomato sauce fan!” – she was wrong! Can you really tell […]
A Beautiful Gift from a Special Friend
My special friend Marrisa came round today to for a lovely lunch to give me an early Birthday present: a stunning painting by Bay of Plenty Artist Heidi Stook. I was overwhelmed with her thoughtful gift and generosity. I shall treasure it forever; just as I cherish our friendship. The words on the back sum […]
Mt Victoria Tunnel: Let Rip on the Horn!
The Mount Victoria Tunnel in Wellington is home to ‘the beeping game’. Motorists actively respond to fellow beepers; especially after 5pm on a Friday or a big win at the rugby! The girls LOVE going through this tunnel and we often go through waiting for a motorist to beep and then respond accordingly. Of late, […]
Making Real Friendships
Making real friends as an adult isn’t always easy (On the garden wall’s post ‘Stalking Frally‘ sums up many of my encounters of new friendships). I’ve made some beautiful friends over the last ten years I’ve lived in New Zealand; but sadly most of them have moved overseas. With renewed energy I put myself ‘out […]
Action Family!
Today, Chez Lee certainly lived up to this! After spending the first few hours of the day clearing out our dustbin on wheels (you could call it a car), cleaning the art-room/laundry (it looked like the aftermath of a paint ball session!) and doing the other mandatory house-hold chores we were keen for some action […]
Urban Sanctuary
This morning I was treated to ‘Green Coffee Body Wrap‘ at the ‘Urban Sanctuary‘ in town. I’m not ashamed to admit to being a little nervous about what the experience would be like; but was very quickly put at ease and found it blissful beyond words. As I listened to gentle nature music and felt […]
Highs and Lows of a day with preschoolers!
This morning was perfect in every way. The girls woke at 7am and were so enthused by the day – I love it when they wake up like that! Sophie was trying to serenade us on the piano, whilst Charlotte headed straight to the art-room (my laundry room) and conjured up one of her numerous […]
Turn back the clocks and pray for SNOW!
It’s a little early for snow, but we’re turning back the clocks in New Zealand this weekend and the cooler days herald the arrival of the ski/board season. For anyone with a love of snow; winter is a season to celebrate! When it’s raining in Wellington we’re praying for snow on the mountains and eagerly […]
Happy Birthday Mum!
Wishing you a magic 61st Birthday! Thanking you for years of dedication, patience, understanding and inspiration. More recently, thank you so much for traversing the world to be with me when I’ve needed you most… on the arrival of your beautiful grand-daughters. Their love for you grows more by the day. They love you so […]
“I see fairies.”
After my neighbour had returned from taking Charlotte out this afternoon she stopped by to say how delightful Charlotte was (sigh of relief from me!). She also said how Charlotte had mentioned a fairy sitting next to her in the car. The fairy was called Rosebud and was purple. Charlotte later explained that Rosebud can […]
Meetings of purpose
I’ve not been so well these past few days and my dearest neighbour knocked on my door this afternoon and offered to take Charlotte out for the afternoon. She was my angel today. But I like to think I lifted someone’s spirit today too. In Te Papa (the museum) this morning I met a lovely […]